Beijing, May 12 – The Chinese military has firmly denied reports that its largest cargo aircraft, the Xi’an Y-20, delivered arms to Pakistan, warning that those spreading such misinformation could face legal consequences.
According to a statement released on Monday by the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAF), online claims suggesting the Y-20 transported relief or military supplies to Pakistan are false. The official Chinese Defence Ministry website reiterated this denial, stating that the circulating content was untrue and accompanied the clarification with screenshots of the false reports, marked with a red "rumour" stamp.
This development gains significance against the backdrop of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, and their recent agreement to cease all military actions. The Chinese military’s denial comes amid Islamabad’s increased need for replenishments following India’s aggressive counter-terror operations.
China’s Role as Pakistan’s Primary Arms Supplier
While the Chinese military has denied immediate arms transfers, the broader military relationship between China and Pakistan remains deep-rooted. A recent report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) revealed that China accounted for 81 percent of Pakistan’s arms imports between 2020 and 2024. The supplies include advanced fighter jets, radars, naval vessels, submarines, and missile systems.Among their joint ventures is the co-production of the JF-17 fighter aircraft, which forms a critical part of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) fleet.
Chinese Media Under Scrutiny Amid Regional Tensions
Chinese state media had actively covered the recent India-Pakistan military exchanges, often amplifying Islamabad’s claims. These included unverified reports of shooting down Indian aircraft. However, the intensity and precision of India’s Operation Sindoor, which targeted nine terror infrastructure sites across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on May 7, reportedly caught observers in China off guard.The Indian Air Force followed up with strikes on Pakistani radar systems and airbases, severely diminishing Pakistan’s retaliatory capacity. Indian air defence systems also intercepted multiple Pakistani drone and missile incursions during the escalation.
In response to the misinformation, the Indian Embassy in Beijing reportedly urged the Chinese state-run tabloid Global Times to verify content before sharing it on social media platforms.
China Calls for Dialogue and Peace
On the diplomatic front, China has expressed its willingness to mediate and support peace efforts between India and Pakistan. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian recently stated that Beijing hopes both nations will uphold the ceasefire and engage in dialogue to resolve disputes.As both India and Pakistan step back from the brink of escalation, China’s dual role as a military ally to Pakistan and a regional powerbroker remains under close international scrutiny.