ISLAMABAD: Chinese Y-20 transport aircraft have reportedly landed atundisclosed Pakistani airbase. Renowned Pakistani journalist Haroon Rashid,also, confirmed the aircrafts arrival, describing them as urgentconsignments to reinforce Islamabad’s defenses.
The consignments, may include components for military defense systems orlong-range strike capabilities. Analysts point to the timing, followingrecent border skirmishes, as indicative of Beijing’s strategic support forits all-weather ally. Pakistan’s heavy reliance on Chinese arms, accountingfor over 80 percent of its imports, underscores the deepening military tiesbetween the two nations.
Haroon Rashid’s revelations, shared via social media and corroborated bysatellite imagery from independent observers, have sparked widespreadspeculation. The Y-20, China’s largest military cargo plane capable ofcarrying 66 tonnes, is ideal for rapid deployment of heavy equipment acrossthe Himalayas. This operation marks a significant escalation inSino-Pakistani cooperation, potentially altering the South Asian balance ofpower.
Experts speculate the payloads could encompass HQ-9 surface-to-air missilesor PL-15 air-to-air variants, designed to neutralize aerial threats fromIndia’s Rafale jets or BrahMos cruise missiles. With India modernizing itsarsenal, including S-400 defenses, Pakistan views these enhancements asvital deterrents. Chinese state media has remained silent, fueling rumorsof covert aid.
The deliveries come amid fragile ceasefire talks post recent hostilities,where Pakistan expended substantial munitions. Beijing’s role as theworld’s top arms supplier to Islamabad, per Stockholm International PeaceResearch Institute data, highlights the geopolitical ramifications. Indianofficials have voiced alarm, urging international scrutiny to prevent anarms race spiral.
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As Islamabad integrates the new systems, questions linger on theiroperational readiness and long-term implications for regional stability.This episode reaffirms China’s pivotal influence in Pakistan’s securityarchitecture, potentially reshaping deterrence dynamics against sharedadversaries.
Source:www.thehindu.com/news/international/china-denies-reports-of-sending-cargo-plane-with-military-supplies-to-pakistan/article69567761.ece”>https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/china-denies-reports-of-sending-cargo-plane-with-military-supplies-to-pakistan/article69567761.ece
