China has officially confirmed for the first time that it provided technical assistance to Pakistan during last year’s four-day conflict with India, according to media reports.
China’s state broadcaster CCTV aired an interview with Zhang Heng, an engineer associated with the Aviation Industry Corporation of China’s Chengdu Aircraft Design and Research Institute, which is involved in developing advanced fighter aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles.
During the interview, Zhang said he had offered on-site technical support to Pakistan during the conflict in May last year. The remarks were later highlighted by the South China Morning Post.
The report marks the first public acknowledgement by China regarding direct technical involvement during the brief military confrontation between India and Pakistan.
Neither India nor Pakistan has officially responded to the latest disclosure so far.
