ISLAMABAD: The United States Congress has formally acknowledged Pakistan’sstrategic victory in the brief but intense May 2025 conflict with India, asdetailed in a comprehensive report submitted by the US-China Economic andSecurity Review Commission. The document, presented to congressionalleaders, marks a significant diplomatic admission of Islamabad’s militaryprowess amid escalating regional tensions. This revelation underscoresshifting geopolitical dynamics in South Asia.
The report meticulously outlines the events of May 7, when India’sOperation Sindoor targeted alleged terrorist sites in Pakistan andPakistan-administered Kashmir, prompting a robust Pakistanicounteroffensive. Commission analysts concluded that Pakistan achieved aclear upper hand, leveraging advanced weaponry to neutralize Indianadvances. This assessment challenges New Delhi’s narrative of success andhighlights Islamabad’s effective defensive maneuvers during the four-dayskirmish.
Central to Pakistan’s triumph was the pivotal role played by Chinesemilitary technology and intelligence support. The report creditsBeijing-supplied systems, including the HQ-9 surface-to-air missiles andPL-15 air-to-air munitions integrated into J-10C fighters, for downingmultiple Indian Rafale jets. Such capabilities not only bolsteredPakistan’s aerial superiority but also provided China with a real-worldtesting ground for its defense exports.
Furthermore, the document reveals Islamabad’s utilization of Chineseintelligence assets to preempt Indian strikes, enabling precise targetingof 109 military objectives across the Line of Control. Indian officialshave grudgingly conceded these losses, admitting the extent of damageinflicted on their forward bases. This admission validates Pakistan’sclaims of inflicting substantial setbacks on adversary forces.
Beijing capitalized on the conflict to promote its armaments globally,initiating post-ceasefire sales pitches to potential clients. Thecommission warns that this opportunistic strategy enhances China’s defenseindustry ambitions while complicating US efforts to counterbalance regionalinfluence. Enhanced Sino-Pakistani military ties, evidenced by jointexercises in early 2025, were instrumental in this outcome.
Read Top Stories
The ceasefire, brokered on May 10 through US diplomatic channels, avertedbroader escalation but left underlying Kashmir disputes unresolved. AsIslamabad celebrates this congressional endorsement, questions persistabout long-term stability. The report urges Washington to reassess itsSouth Asian alliances to mitigate future flashpoints.
Source: www.uscc.gov/annual-report/2025-annual-report-congress”>https://www.uscc.gov/annual-report/2025-annual-report-congress ;www.scmp.com/news/china/article/3333321/china-leveraged-india-pakistan-conflict-trial-and-tout-its-military-strengths-says-us-panel”>https://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/3333321/china-leveraged-india-pakistan-conflict-trial-and-tout-its-military-strengths-says-us-panel
