China has finally broken its silence on the recent use of its advanced weaponry during the intense four-day air conflict between nuclear-armed rivals India and Pakistan. This confrontation saw Pakistan deploy an arsenal of sophisticated Chinese-made systems, including HQ-9 air defense systems, PL-15E air-to-air missiles, and cutting-edge J-10C fighters. The discovery of an unexploded PL-15E missile on Indian soil has sparked widespread interest and concern—and China’s first public comments on the matter are raising eyebrows.
This month, India’s Bharatiya Janata Party official Amit Malviya shared alarming footage of an unexploded PL-15E missile recovered in Punjab. According to multiple credible news reports, this wasn’t a one-off event—it’s the third confirmed instance of PL-15E missile debris found within Indian territory during the May 7 to May 10 conflict. The PL-15E isn’t just another missile; it’s a high-tech, export version of China’s long-range air-to-air weaponry, boasting an active radar seeker capable of hitting enemy aircraft well beyond visual range. This technology is precisely the type of advanced system that has the potential to shift regional power balances.
Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for China’s Ministry of National Defense, downplayed the significance of India’s discovery at a press conference, stating, “The missile you mentioned is export equipment and has appeared in domestic and foreign defense exhibitions many times.” The Chinese government is clearly eager to minimize the implications of their technology landing in rival hands. But the reality remains stark: India’s possession of these remnants offers a golden opportunity to dissect, study, and potentially reverse-engineer critical components. This could provide valuable intelligence for India—and by extension, its allies.
Indeed, the broader implications of the conflict cannot be ignored. Christopher Clary, a non-resident fellow with Stimson’s South Asia program, highlights the global significance of China’s military performance during the air battle. Clary writes, “The performance of these newer Chinese systems on the battlefield is of immense importance to states that worry about a future confrontation with China. Likewise, their performance matters for a large number of militaries considering the purchase of Chinese equipment for their own defense needs.”
The Trump administration’s steadfast America First agenda rightly emphasizes the paramount importance of national defense and the strategic balance of power in critical regions like South Asia. President Trump has repeatedly stressed the importance of vigilance about China’s military advancements and their global implications. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the ever-present danger posed by China’s expanding military exports and aggressive geopolitical ambitions.
But beyond the immediate security risks, there’s another critical factor at play. Pakistan’s reliance on Chinese military technology—and the apparent willingness of Beijing to rapidly accelerate its delivery—is a clear signal of deepening ties between these two nations. Reports now indicate China could be fast-tracking delivery of its advanced fifth-generation stealth fighter jets, the J-35A, to Pakistan in response to escalating regional tensions with India. Such rapid arms transfers represent a dangerous escalation and reinforce President Trump’s warnings about China’s aggressive ambitions and its desire to reshape the global order in its own image.
For decades, the United States has recognized South Asia as a region of vital strategic interest. As the Trump administration continues its effort to rebuild American manufacturing and strengthen our domestic defense industries, we must remain acutely aware of China’s efforts to expand its military influence worldwide through arms exports. This latest conflict serves as a clear wake-up call: China’s military equipment isn’t just for show—it’s designed for real-world conflicts, and it poses a direct threat to regional stability and American interests abroad.
The United States must continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with India, a key strategic partner, in confronting China’s aggressive military posture. The discovery of advanced Chinese missile technology on Indian soil underscores the urgent need to bolster our own military readiness and reinforce strategic alliances. Only through strength, vigilance, and unwavering commitment to America First priorities can we deter aggression and preserve peace in a world increasingly shaped by China’s dangerous ambitions.
