'Not Targeted': China Denies Military Backing To Pakistan In Operation Sindoor, Says Ties With India At 'Crucial Stage'

Beijing: In response to serious allegations from India, China on Monday, July 7, denied claims that it actively supported Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, a four-day military conflict between India and Pakistan in May.

Beijing said that its defence cooperation with Islamabad was routine and not aimed at any “third party”, adding that it remains committed to regional stability and peaceful dialogue.

Beijing Calls Pak Defence Ties 'Normal'

When asked about Indian Army Deputy Chief Lt General Rahul R Singh's remarks on China's alleged support to Pakistan, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning clarified, “I am not familiar with the specifics you mentioned. Let me say that China and Pakistan are close neighbours enjoying traditional friendship. Defence and security cooperation is part of the normal cooperation between the two countries and does not target any third party.”

Mao also refuted allegations that China was giving live military inputs to Pakistan during the conflict. “I am not sure how that allegation came about. Different people may have different perspectives,” she added.

On accusations from France about China undermining Rafale jets' performance after the India-Pakistan face-off, she responded saying, “I am not familiar with what you mentioned." She declined to comment further.

Mao restated China’s stance on India-Pakistan relations, adding, “We support the two sides in properly addressing differences through dialogue and consultation and jointly keeping the region peaceful and stable.”

India and Pakistan Trade Accusations

India's Lt General Rahul R Singh had alleged that China played a significant role behind-the-scenes in May 7-10 conflict, using satellites to feed real-time intelligence to Pakistan, while Turkiye allegedly supplied military hardware. He also said that India was effectively dealing with three adversaries at once.

The retaliation, triggered by a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, ended after Pakistan reportedly requested a ceasefire. India maintained its fierce counter-offensive forced Pakistan to seek an end to hostilities.

Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir, meanwhile, rejected any claim of external support, calling such allegations “factually incorrect” and insisting that Pakistan’s military response was rooted in its own capabilities and strategic resilience.

Amid soaring tensions between the nations, Beijing called India-China relations “at a crucial stage” and said it is ready to promote “sound and steady” growth in bilateral ties.

Published on: Tuesday, July 08, 2025, 11:56 AM IST