Chinese credibility deficit

HINA'S DEFENCE EXPORTS have historically faced a credibility deficit, rooted in persistent performance and reliability issues.

- Harsh V Pant Atul Kumar Respectively vice president and fellow, China Studies, Observer Research Foundation, New Delhi

Repeated cases, such as Thailand and Algeria replacing crucial components in Chinese weapon systems with Western alternatives, underscore systemic shortcomings and enduring doubts. This perception has been reinforced in the previous years by instances such as the operational failure of ground combat platforms in African states as well as technical deficiencies in airborne early warning and control systems and frigate exports to Pakistan.

However, the most notable shock emerged during the Operation Sindoor clashes between India and Pakistan, where Chinese systems reportedly failed across domains. The episode ended up casting doubts on China's capacity to sustain competitive defence exports and questioned the maturity and resilience of its broader military-industrial complex.

Dependence exposed in combat Since the early 2000s, China has become Pakistan's principal defence partner, significantly reshaping the region's military balance. By the time of Operation Sindoor, according to Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, 81% of Pakistan's defence inventory came from China. This was more than an arms trade, it reflected deep strategic dependence.

Pakistan's order of battle was dominated by Chinese systems: J-10C and JF-17 fighter aircraft, JY-27A long-range air surveillance radars, and multiple surface-to-air missile systems. The Fatah rockets were modelled on China's A300 rocket system. Chinese SH-15 self-propelled artillery was utilised on the Line of Actual Control. Beijing's drones, such as the CH-4 and Wing Loong series, were crucial assets, backed by an extensive radar grid.