Belfast [UK]: British political commentator and author David Vance has launched a scathing critique of China’s support for Pakistan in the wake of the recent Pahalgam terror attack and India’s military response through Operation Sindoor, warning that Beijing is operating Islamabad as a regional proxy.
In an interview with media, Vance emphasised that China cannot be trusted and urged Western nations, especially the United States, to strengthen ties with India as a strategic counterweight to Chinese influence in the region.
“China Operates Pakistan as a Proxy”: Vance
“China operates Pakistan as a proxy in the region. So, China cannot be trusted in any regard, which is something I would have thought Donald Trump should have understood,” Vance said.
He suggested that Western support for India—particularly in its confrontation with Pakistan—serves not only India’s interests but also the strategic aims of the West.
“It would be far better if Donald Trump understood that by supporting India, India is a bulwark for the West against China. The more we can help India against Pakistan, the better, because China has vested interests with Pakistan. And those interests don’t coincide with India’s best wishes. And I don’t think they coincide with the West’s either,” he added.
Criticism of Turkey’s Stance and Pro-Pakistan Rhetoric
Vance also criticised Turkey for its support of Pakistan and anti-India rhetoric, calling President Erdogan’s position predictable and “problematic.”
“I’m not surprised. China was obviously going to be critical of India. And as I say that Pakistan is a failed state, I think Turkey is a very problematical state as well. So, it doesn’t surprise me that Erdogan would be critical of India. I see him very much linked to China. The anti-India rhetoric is just to be expected and dismissed accordingly,” he noted.
Operation Sindoor: “Long Overdue and Successful”
Backing India’s recent military response, Operation Sindoor, Vance called the operation “long overdue” and a necessary move against terrorism.
“It needed to happen, that’s the second thing. And thirdly, I think the operation has been pretty successful. This was India striking a blow for civilisation. It was a lot more than just the conflict with Pakistan,” he said.
He also reiterated his longstanding position on Pakistan, stating:
“This is something I said at the UN back in 2018: I consider Pakistan to be a failed state, a terrorist state, a terrorist incubator. And so it was good that India moved against it.”
Background: Operation Sindoor and Regional Tensions
India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians. The operation involved precision strikes in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir (PoJK), resulting in the elimination of over 100 terrorists and the destruction of key terror infrastructure.
India also responded to subsequent Pakistani military aggression by targeting and crippling multiple Pakistani airbases, asserting its right to self-defense.
Strategic Implications
Vance’s comments underscore a growing narrative in the West that seeks to frame India as a natural ally in the broader strategic rivalry with China. His remarks also reflect increasing scrutiny over the China-Pakistan nexus, which many observers believe is aimed at counterbalancing India’s rising global influence.
Conclusion
As India asserts itself militarily and diplomatically in South Asia, voices like David Vance’s amplify the call for stronger Western alignment with New Delhi. With tensions high and alliances shifting, the India-China-Pakistan dynamic continues to play a central role in shaping the security architecture of the region—and possibly, the world.