Overview
- China used fake social media accounts and AI- or video game–generated images to depict supposed aircraft debris and undercut Rafale sales in favor of its J-35, the USCC report to Congress says.
- The commission records that only three Indian jets were reportedly downed in the May 7–10 fighting and notes that not all may have been Rafales, even as Pakistan and Chinese outlets promoted claims of multiple Rafale kills.
- The report says Chinese embassy officials persuaded Indonesia to halt a Rafale purchase already in process, while separate reporting notes Jakarta’s Rafale deliveries remain on track as it also evaluates J-10C fighters.
- Beijing rejects the findings as biased and false, Pakistan’s leadership and media hail the report as validation of May gains, and Indian officials dispute key characterizations about losses and outcomes.
- The USCC details the first combat use of Chinese HQ-9 air defenses, PL-15 missiles, and J-10 fighters during the clash and notes subsequent Chinese offers of J-35s and other systems to Pakistan alongside a higher defense budget.