China Denies Supplying Weapons to Pakistan During Operation Sindoor
During the ongoing ‘Operation Sindoor’ with India, China has strongly refuted claims that it supplied weapons to Pakistan via its largest military cargo aircraft. The Chinese military dismissed such reports as entirely unfounded rumors and warned that those spreading such misinformation would face legal consequences.
In the wake of Pakistan's recent actions against India last week, various online platforms circulated reports alleging that China delivered weapons to Pakistan using its Y-20 military transport aircraft. Responding to these speculations, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force clarified the matter on the official website of China’s Ministry of National Defense. In a statement released on Monday, it categorically denied that any mission involving the Y-20 aircraft to transport military aid to Pakistan had taken place.
“There is absolutely no truth to the reports claiming that the Y-20 aircraft was used to transport assistance to Pakistan,” the statement read. “The internet is not above the law! Individuals who create and disseminate military-related rumors will be held legally accountable,” it firmly warned.
It is already known that China had previously rejected allegations that Pakistan deployed its warplanes during ‘Operation Sindoor’. China reiterated its firm opposition to all forms of terrorism and emphasized the importance of restraint from both India and Pakistan in the interest of peace and stability. It also urged both sides to avoid any actions that could escalate tensions further.
Amid these denials, a significant detail has come to light. According to a recent report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), 81 percent of all weapons imported by Pakistan between 2020 and 2024 originated from China. This statistic highlights China’s continued role as Pakistan’s primary arms supplier. Furthermore, China’s declaration of support for Pakistan—its longstanding ally—during ‘Operation Sindoor’ has further fueled these rumors.