Washington: The 2025 Annual Report to Congress (Chapter 2 – U.S.-China Security and Foreign Affairs, p.94) has highlighted Pakistan’s military performance during the brief but intense four‑day conflict with India in May. The report states that Pakistan achieved battlefield superiority, largely due to its effective deployment of Chinese‑made fighter jets and advanced air‑to‑air missiles, marking the first time these systems were tested in actual combat.
Analysts cited in the report note that the engagement provided Beijing with valuable operational data on its defense exports, effectively turning South Asia into a proving ground for Chinese military technology. Pakistan’s successful use of these systems against India’s French Rafale jets not only enhanced Islamabad’s military credibility but also strengthened China’s position as a rising defense supplier.
The report underscores that this combat use boosted the credibility of China’s defense industry while demonstrating how Beijing indirectly benefits from regional conflicts by validating its weapons systems in live battle conditions. For Pakistan, the outcome reinforced its image as a capable military power able to integrate advanced technology swiftly and effectively.
The Congress document further reveals that China expanded military cooperation with Pakistan in 2024 and 2025 through joint exercises, counter‑terrorism drills, and multinational peace operations. This groundwork allowed Pakistan to maximize the effectiveness of Chinese systems during the skirmish.
In June 2025, Beijing approved the sale of additional advanced platforms to Pakistan, including J‑35 stealth fighters, KJ‑500 surveillance aircraft, and new ballistic missile defense systems. The same month, Islamabad announced a 20 percent increase in its defense budget for 2025‑26, raising military spending to 9 billion dollars despite overall fiscal constraints.
Observers believe these developments underscore Pakistan’s growing military strength and strategic depth, while also highlighting China’s silent but significant role in reshaping the South Asian balance of power.