Pakistan’s recent airstrikes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which reportedly killed dozens of people, have drawn global attention and condemnation. Initial reports suggest that these strikes, targeting hideouts of the outlawed Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), were conducted using Chinese-supplied jets and bombs. This raises a critical question: Why is Pakistan so heavily reliant on Chinese military hardware for its domestic counter-terrorism operations?
The China-Pakistan Military Nexus
The use of Chinese-origin military equipment in Pakistan's airstrikes is not an isolated incident; it's a testament to the deep-rooted strategic and military alliance between the two nations. This partnership, which dates back to the 1960s, has grown significantly over the decades. Today, Pakistan is China's largest arms buyer, and China is the primary supplier of military equipment to Pakistan. This relationship extends beyond simple trade, encompassing joint production, technology transfer, and joint military exercises.
This close military cooperation has provided Pakistan with a diverse and modern arsenal, including:
JF-17 Thunder Fighter Jets: Co-developed by Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) and China's Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC), the JF-17 is a cornerstone of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF). It is a multirole fighter aircraft used for a variety of missions, including air-to-ground strikes.
J-10CE Fighter Jets: The PAF began inducting the J-10CE, a single-engine multirole fighter, in 2022. This acquisition further cemented Pakistan's reliance on Chinese aviation technology.
Precision-Guided Munitions: The recent strikes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reportedly involved the use of Chinese-supplied LS-6 precision-guided bombs. These "glide bombs" can be released from a distance, allowing aircraft to strike targets without entering the range of ground-based air defenses.
The Strategic Imperative
Pakistan's reliance on Chinese military hardware is driven by a combination of strategic and economic factors.
1. A Reliable Alternative to Western Suppliers: For decades, Pakistan has faced varying degrees of sanctions and restrictions from Western countries, particularly the United States, on the sale of advanced military technology. These restrictions, often tied to political and non-proliferation concerns, have made Western arms an unreliable option. China, on the other hand, has proven to be a consistent and willing partner, providing a steady supply of arms without the same level of political strings attached.
2. Economic Viability: While advanced Western military platforms like the F-16 are often prohibitively expensive, Chinese equipment offers a more cost-effective alternative. The joint development of projects like the JF-17 allows Pakistan to acquire and even produce modern military aircraft at a fraction of the cost, making it a more sustainable option for its defense budget.
3. Countering India: A major driver of the China-Pakistan military alliance is the shared strategic interest in countering India's growing influence in the region. By supplying Pakistan with advanced military hardware, China helps maintain a balance of power in South Asia, a key part of its broader geopolitical strategy. The two nations also engage in joint military exercises, aimed at enhancing interoperability and deterring what they perceive as a common threat.
The Fallout and Human Cost
While the military rationale behind using Chinese jets and bombs is clear, the human cost of these strikes is a grim reality. Reports from the ground, including accounts from local residents and human rights organizations, allege that the recent airstrikes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa resulted in significant civilian casualties, including women and children. This has sparked outrage and protests, with civil society groups and politicians calling for greater accountability and transparency from the government.
The use of advanced, yet often controversial, military hardware in densely populated areas raises serious questions about the collateral damage and the effectiveness of such operations in a counter-insurgency context. While the Pakistani government maintains that the strikes are a necessary measure to combat terrorism, the unverified civilian death toll underscores the devastating consequences of relying on military force without adequate consideration for human rights and civilian life.
In conclusion, the use of Chinese jets and bombs by Pakistan in its recent airstrikes is not a random occurrence. It is the result of a decades-long strategic partnership, a response to Pakistan's need for a reliable arms supplier, and a reflection of the geopolitical dynamics in the region. However, as the tragic events in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa demonstrate, this military alliance also comes with a heavy price, paid in the lives of innocent civilians.
