The Chinese Communist Party is set to sell 30 to 40 J-35A stealth fighter jets to Pakistan at a 50% discount, a move that has raised concerns about escalating tensions in the South Asian region. At the same time, this decision has sparked strong criticism on Chinese social media platforms.
According to a report by the Times of India on June 8, defense cooperation between China and Pakistan has reached new heights, with the Pakistan Air Force scheduled to receive the first batch of J-35A (also known as FC-31) fighter jets in August this year. Pakistani pilots have already completed operational training in China, and the new aircraft are expected to be deployed for combat no later than the third quarter of 2025.
This deal demonstrates China’s special support for Pakistan by not only expediting the delivery of fighter jets that are still in the testing phase, but also offering a 50% discount and credit payment terms.
Further reports from the CNN-18 television station indicate that after a visit to Beijing by Pakistani Vice President and Foreign Minister Dar, China offered to sell 40 J-35A fighter jets to Pakistan at a 50% discount as a reward for the outstanding performance of the Pakistan Air Force during the “Five Seven Air Battle” between India and Pakistan.
Additionally, China and Pakistan have announced plans to enhance cooperation in the economic corridor, including $25 billion in infrastructure investments.
Analysts suggest that the increased cooperation between China and Pakistan is driven by the pressure both countries feel from India, forcing them to come together for mutual support and solidarity. China’s Belt and Road Initiative heavily relies on the support from Pakistan.
However, the decision by China to sell J-35A fighter jets at a 50% discount and credit terms has left many Chinese netizens confused and angry, especially considering that the J-35A is still in the testing phase and has not been officially inducted into the Chinese Air Force.
One user with the handle @Zhejiang raised questions about the authenticity of Pakistan’s combat achievements and its ability to repay. The post stated, “Pakistan has also spread a lot of fake news. How can they afford it? They haven’t even paid back the money for the J-10 they bought previously.”
Another user @CQL0530 criticized China’s priorities in deploying new weaponry, stating, “China does not even have the J-35 for itself yet, so how can they give it to others first?” Some netizens did not hold back their emotions, labeling this as “nonsense!”
The Times of India commented on this, stating that for many ordinary Chinese citizens, Beijing’s “50% discount sale” seems more like a high-risk “credit sales” scenario. It appears to be China using taxpayers’ money to sell unfinished fighter jets to an unreliable customer with a questionable payment history.
Indian analysts believe that aside from concerns about the fighter jets being in the testing phase, rather than being fully developed, the timing of Beijing’s announcement has also raised suspicions. It conveniently came a few days after the terrorist attacks in Pulwama and Pahalgam in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir.
The report further analyzes that China’s move to sell fighter jets at a low price with credit terms is aimed at urgently strengthening Pakistan’s armed forces in light of escalating tensions along the India-Pakistan border.