After the intense May confrontation between India and Pakistan—which saw precision strikes and aerial battles—French defense and intelligence agencies say China used its embassy network to sow doubt about France’s Rafale fighter jets. The goal? To damage its reputation and block international sales.
Diplomatic and Digital Disinformation Tactics
According to an Associated Press report referencing French intelligence, Chinese defense attachés lobbied countries—especially Indonesia—not to purchase more Rafales, instead promoting Chinese alternatives. Simultaneously, they amplified manipulated images, AI-generated content, and even video-game footage to depict Rafale jets as ineffective. The fabricated posts came from over 1,000 newly created social media accounts, all praising Chinese military tech.
Five Rafales Downed? Official Reactions
Pakistan claimed it shot down five Indian aircraft, including three Rafales. India’s official losses remained undisclosed, but France’s Chief of Air Staff, Gen. Jérôme Bellanger, said evidence showed one Rafale was lost in the May clashes. He noted,
“Of course, all those, the nations that bought Rafales, asked themselves questions.”
France Fights Back
In response, France’s Defense Ministry called out the campaign as a “vast campaign of disinformation,” targeting Rafale to elevate Chinese-made jets. The ministry warned these tactics threaten France’s defense credibility and strategic ties. Meanwhile, Dassault Aviation highlights Rafale’s global strength—533 jets built, with 323 sold to nations like India, Greece, UAE, Indonesia, and Qatar. Indonesia has ordered 42, but it’s reportedly reviewing the deal in light of recent rumors.
Strategic Play in Asia-Pacific
RUSI expert Justin Bronk explained China’s likely motive: “They certainly saw an opportunity to damage French sales prospects in the region… it would make sense for China to be using the performance of Pakistani weapon systems … in downing at least one Rafale as a tool to undermine its attractiveness as an export.”
This episode marks a strategic push by China to weaken Western influence by casting doubt on advanced Western defense systems—using false narratives to sway procurement decisions in geopolitically sensitive regions.