Why China Remains Silent on PL-15E Missile Used by Pakistan

Amid renewed scrutiny over Pakistan's military capabilities during recent clashes with India, serious questions are being raised about the effectiveness of Chinese-made weaponry supplied to Pakistan. The spotlight has particularly fallen on the Chinese PL-15E air-to-air missile, which was reportedly used during the skirmish but failed to meet expectations.

China, a key defense partner and arms supplier to Pakistan, has remained cautious in its official response. During a recent press briefing, Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for China’s Ministry of National Defense, was asked to clarify China’s role in supplying air defense systems and whether Beijing had provided satellite or intelligence support during the conflict.

In response, Zhang avoided directly addressing the performance of Chinese weapons, particularly the PL-15E, and instead offered a general statement: “The missile you mentioned is an export device and has been displayed at many defense exhibitions at home and abroad.” His remarks confirmed that the PL-15E is manufactured by China primarily for export and promotional purposes.

The ambiguous response has stirred speculation, especially in Pakistani defense circles, as it raises concerns about the reliability of Chinese military equipment in real-world combat scenarios. Some analysts interpret the statement as a subtle disavowal of responsibility for the missile's operational shortcomings.

When pressed further by an Indian journalist about whether China had provided real-time defense or satellite assistance to Pakistan, Zhang declined to give a direct answer. “India and Pakistan are neighbors that cannot be separated,” he said. “We hope that both sides will maintain peace and restraint and avoid actions that could further complicate the situation.”

China and Pakistan share close strategic and military ties, with Beijing being Pakistan's largest arms supplier. However, this incident has cast a shadow over the performance of Chinese defense systems in active conflict, prompting wider debate about their battlefield efficacy.

As tensions continue to simmer between India and Pakistan, China’s carefully measured response indicates a desire to avoid being drawn into a direct confrontation or being held accountable for the effectiveness of the weapons it exports.