In the wake of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, Chinese Defence Ministry spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang on Thursday avoided addressing questions on the performance of Chinese-supplied weapons reportedly used by Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, India’s military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.
At a regular press briefing, Zhang declined to confirm or deny reports about Pakistan’s use of Chinese air defense systems and satellite support, and their below-average performance during the confrontation. He was also silent on reports of India recovering an unexploded PL-15E missile — a Chinese-made beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile.
“We would like to stress that India and Pakistan are neighbors that cannot be moved. We hope both sides will remain calm and restrained to avoid further complicating the situation,” Zhang said, according to Global Times.
While sidestepping direct questions, Zhang reiterated China’s willingness to play a constructive role in maintaining regional peace and stability.
The comment came shortly after India and Pakistan jointly announced a cessation of hostilities on May 10, ending four days of intense military operations under Operation Sindoor. The operation, launched on May 7, was a direct retaliation by India targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK).
According to Indian officials, the operation led to the elimination of over 100 terrorists associated with Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen.
Speaking in New Delhi, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed the mutual ceasefire:
“It was agreed between them that both sides would stop all firing and military action on land, in the air and sea with effect from 5 pm local time on May 10. Instructions have been given on both sides to give effect to this understanding,” Misri stated.
The developments come amid growing scrutiny of Pakistan’s military reliance on Chinese technology and Beijing’s ambiguous position on cross-border terrorism.