Pakistan’s Use of Chinese J-10C Jets Boosts Chinese Arms Market, Bloomberg Report
Bloomberg report says rising Chinese arms exports, exemplified by Pakistan's adoption of J-10C fighters, are unsettling Western and regional rivals.
Pakistan’s use of Chinese-made J-10C fighter jets in recent aerial combat against Indian Rafale jets has significantly expanded the global market for Chinese weaponry, causing concern among countries opposed to China, according to a Bloomberg report.
The J-10C’s combat success has challenged previous assumptions about the inferiority of Chinese military technology compared to Western systems.
The market capitalisation of Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC), the Chinese manufacturer of the J-10C, surged by approximately $7.6 billion (over 55 billion yuan), reflecting increased investor confidence following the Pakistan Air Force’s reported downing of Indian aircraft, including 3 Rafales.
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This market value now exceeds Pakistan’s recent loan agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), highlighting the economic impact of the conflict on defence stocks.
Bloomberg’s report also noted that Chinese weapons, previously limited to select nations, are now gaining broader availability and interest from major countries worldwide. The PL-15 missile system, employed by Pakistan and capable of engaging targets beyond 200 kilometres with advanced radar guidance, has also attracted attention from opponents of China.
The success of Pakistan’s Chinese-supplied jets and missile systems has prompted a reassessment of the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) air combat capabilities, with analysts suggesting that Chinese military technology may be approaching or surpassing the level of U.S. air power in East Asia. This development has also raised strategic concerns in regions such as Taiwan and among U.S. defence circles.
Pakistan’s effective deployment of Chinese J-10C fighter jets and associated missile systems has not only boosted the market value of Chinese defence manufacturers but also expanded the global reach and credibility of Chinese weaponry, unsettling the anti-China bloc and reshaping perceptions of Chinese military technology on the world stage.
