China’s decision to sell 30 J‑35A stealth fighters to Pakistan at a 50% discount has triggered a wave of backlash online in China
- “Charity sale” rebuke: Many Chinese netizens lambasted the move as a strategic giveaway, arguing it weakens China’s own defence modernization — especially when domestic programs like the J‑10 remain unfinished
- Regional ripple: This sale marks China’s first export of a fifth-gen jet, escalating regional tension and prompting India to monitor closely
Could India Extend Air Defence to Taiwan?
Amid heightened regional threats, recent discussions have explored whether India could assist Taiwan with air defence—especially as India ramps up its own capabilities and looks to strengthen Indo‑Pacific partnerships:
- Gaps in Indo‑Pacific deterrence: Beijing arms Pakistan to challenge India from the west. Meanwhile, India could theoretically arm Taiwan to counterbalance China from the east—yet hesitates due to diplomatic and strategic caution
- Defence systems at hand: India’s BrahMos missiles, Akash/P project (like Akashteer, operational since 2024) and future Project Kusha (XRSAM) set the stage for long-range air defence capability in the mid‑2020s
- Taiwan’s existing options: Already set to receive NASAMS-3 systems from the U.S. by late 2025—a move India would need to navigate carefully if contemplating its own support
What This Means in 3 Key Points
- China’s public ire over Pakistan’s fighter discount exposes internal economic strains, hinting at strategic overreach in arms exports.
- India’s strategic calculus is cautious: stronger ties with Taiwan could provoke China, complicate its One‑China stance, and impact relations with the U.S. and Russia.
- Technological convergence: India’s evolving air defence architecture—encompassing Akashteer and future XRSAM—could, in theory, offer credible systems, but exporting them remains politically charged.
Bottom Line
Beijing’s wave of public discontent underscores how sensitive defence diplomacy has become—offering Pakistan fifth-gen jets at a steep discount draws domestic and regional concern. Meanwhile, India offers a contrasting picture: strong capability buildup, but persistent reluctance to enter the Taiwan security dynamic overtly.
