Washington, July 4: A recent report reveals that China is utilizing Pakistan as a conduit to further its strategic interests. The report highlights a defense deal exceeding $4 billion between Pakistan and the Libyan National Army, which includes 16 JF-17 fighter jets, training aircraft, and other military equipment.
This information comes from the Middle East Forum, a think tank based in the United States. The report warns that this deal could undermine the United Nations’ arms embargo on Libya, alter the military balance in the country’s internal conflict, and escalate regional geopolitical tensions.
According to the think tank, there has been a significant increase in defense, security, and intelligence cooperation between Pakistan and China in recent years. Citing data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), the report states that over 80% of Pakistan’s arms imports from 2021 to 2024 have originated from China, indicating Pakistan’s growing dependence and China’s strengthening presence in its defense sector.
The report notes that while Pakistan still utilizes American-made F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft and occasionally receives military assistance from the U.S., a substantial portion of its military capabilities now relies on Chinese-origin weapons. Pakistan is actively promoting JF-17 fighter jets, Chinese drones, HQ-9 air defense systems, and other defense equipment in the international market.
In recent months, the number of defense talks and potential deals between Pakistan and countries such as Iraq, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Libya, Morocco, Nigeria, Sudan, and Ethiopia has increased. Chinese media has also claimed that Pakistan is working towards finalizing JF-17 aircraft deals with several of these nations.
Under a potential agreement with Saudi Arabia, Pakistan could provide JF-17 aircraft in exchange for financial arrangements, although no such deal has been finalized yet. Factors such as the quality of Chinese weapons, their compatibility with American systems, and financial considerations have been cited as reasons for this.
The report concludes that despite these dynamics, China is using Pakistan as a gateway to enter the region. The promotion of these defense systems by Pakistan further bolsters China’s extensive defense-industrial presence and its strategic ambitions. The think tank asserts that China is attempting to enhance its presence in the defense market of West Asia through Pakistan, with the latter’s promotion of Chinese weapons aiding Beijing’s broader defense-industrial and strategic goals.
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