US Report: China Orchestrated Disinformation to Undermine India's Rafale Jet Program After Conflict with Pakistan
The United States–China Economic and Security Review Commission has accused China of executing a detailed disinformation campaign aimed at damaging India's Rafale fighter jet program and influencing defense markets throughout Asia. The commission's findings, released on Wednesday, suggest a deliberate effort by Beijing to sway public opinion following the brief conflict between India and Pakistan in May 2025.
China Accused of Using Fake Accounts and AI Imagery
The report alleges that China utilized fake social media profiles and AI-generated images to spread false claims that Rafale jets were shot down during the conflict. These posts sought to cast doubt on the reliability of the French-made aircraft while concurrently promoting the capabilities of China’s homegrown J-35 fifth-generation fighter jet.
Investigators pointed out that manipulated images of alleged Rafale debris were extensively circulated, with the aim of influencing defense procurement choices in Asia's competitive fighter jet market.
Beijing’s Diplomatic Pressure on Indonesia
One significant finding of the assessment is that Chinese diplomatic strategies may have led Indonesia to pause its ongoing Rafale procurement. This action reportedly bolstered the prospects for Chinese-made platforms, particularly the J-35, in Southeast Asia.
The report associates this pressure campaign with Beijing’s broader goal of displacing Western defense suppliers by leveraging economic incentives, political sway, and digital propaganda to promote its systems developed by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation.
China–Pakistan Defence Ties Intensify
The Commission's findings also underline the strengthening military ties between China and Pakistan during 2024 and 2025. Key activities included the Warrior-VIII joint counterterrorism exercise in late 2024 and China’s involvement in Pakistan’s AMAN naval exercise in February 2025.
In June of this year, Beijing reportedly offered Islamabad a significant defense package that comprised:
| 40 J-35 stealth fighters |
| KJ-500 airborne early warning aircraft |
| Ballistic missile defense systems |
At the same time, Pakistan announced a 20% increase in its defense budget for the fiscal year 2025–26, raising it to USD 9 billion, despite broader government austerity measures. This move signals Islamabad's intention to accelerate its military modernization efforts.
Trump Claims Credit for Defusing India–Pakistan Clash
The report's publication coincided with statements from US President Donald Trump, who reiterated his claim of intervening to prevent a full-scale war between India and Pakistan during the May 2025 confrontation triggered by India's Operation Sindoor.
Speaking alongside Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Trump claimed he "stopped eight wars," with the India–Pakistan conflict being one of them. However, New Delhi has consistently rejected these assertions, arguing that the de-escalation was the result of India's calculated military and diplomatic efforts.
A Growing Theatre of Information Warfare
The Commission concludes that China’s alleged disinformation campaign is part of a wider effort to weaken Western defense influence and challenge India’s air superiority in the Indo-Pacific region. With Rafale jets being a crucial element of India’s advanced air combat capabilities, Beijing’s actions to undermine their credibility appear aligned with its long-term strategic objectives in South Asia and other regions.
The findings highlight how information warfare, defense economics, and geopolitical rivalries are increasingly intertwined in Asia's volatile security environment, affecting procurement decisions, alliances, and the balance of regional power.
