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The Print
16 minutes ago
- Business
- The Print
China's Brahmaputra dam is also a military asset. It raises alarm for India
In contemporary geopolitics, infrastructure has become a strategic language of its own, one that Beijing is speaking fluently. Beyond the spectacle of scale, the Chinese online discourse quickly turned the project into a symbol of strategic ascendancy. India, the downstream neighbour, is cast as anxious and reactive . China, in contrast, is portrayed as visionary and unyielding—a master of its geography and architect of a new regional order. Chinese Premier Li Qiang, on 19 July, presided over the groundbreaking of what is set to become the world's largest hydropower dam , on the so-called 'Yarlung Zangbo', as China refers to the Brahmaputra River. Within hours, Chinese online platforms erupted in celebration. A Weibo hashtag marking the occasion—#Construction begins on lower Yarlung Zangbo Hydropower Project—amassed over 73 million views. Engineering feat or strategic signal? The Medog Hydropower Station is projected to cost $167 billion and boasts a planned capacity of 70 to 81 million kilowatts, roughly triple that of the Three Gorges Dam. Once completed, it is expected to generate 300 billion kilowatt-hours annually. The project will take a decade to build, but its signalling to the region, especially India, is immediate. Hu Xijin, former editor-in-chief of the Global Times, a daily Chinese tabloid, criticised Western media for focusing on India's ecological and geopolitical concerns while ignoring what he called an 'engineering miracle'. For Hu, the dam is not just about electricity; it is also a declaration of China's ability to tame the Himalayas and reshape geography. One Chinese commentator claimed that India's objections stem not from technical concerns, but from its deeply entrenched 'security-first' mindset. New Delhi, the commentator argued, has long prioritised control over collaboration, building its own dams while accusing others of weaponising water. 'India's alarmism,' another wrote, 'comes from its own guilty conscience.' China's dual narrative Officially, Beijing is presenting the dam as a developmental initiative, aimed at energy security, poverty alleviation, regional integration, and transforming Nyingchi into the 'Little Sichuan' or 'Jiangnan of Tibet.' Talk of water weaponisation is being brushed aside as paranoia. Commentators invoke 'non-zero-sum' logic and portray China as a responsible upstream actor. But unofficial voices tell a different story. 'India, which tries to control Pakistan with water cuts, now fears China might do the same,' one commentator quipped. Victor Gao, vice president of the Beijing-based Center for China and Globalization, was even more blunt: 'If India uses rivers as leverage against Pakistan, it should be prepared for reciprocity.' These comparisons are not new. Over a decade ago, Ye Hailin, director of Asian Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, argued that if India expects restraint from China as an upstream power, it should accept the same standard when Pakistan, downstream of India, makes similar demands. A more recent commentary on Baidu put it less diplomatically: 'Just a month ago, before the official exchange of fire between India and Pakistan, India took the initiative, cutting off water at will, then releasing it, showing little regard for the lives of Pakistani civilians. Faced with a neighbour like India, we [China] must abandon any moral restraint. We should move at our own pace, neither seeking to dominate nor to appease. Stand firm, when necessary, fight when required. Otherwise, we risk being the ones who suffer.' Also read: India's 'triple anxiety'—What Chinese media sees in Jaishankar's Beijing visit Water, border, and politics of control On Chinese social media, the discussion turned openly strategic. One user noted a road built inside the dam tunnels, ostensibly for maintenance, that leads directly to Arunachal Pradesh. 'In peacetime, it is for power,' the user wrote. 'In wartime? I do not need to spell it out.' This is infrastructure envisioned not just as an economic backbone, but as a military asset, both shield and sword. This strategic undertone also helps explain Beijing's long-standing refusal to enter a hydrological data-sharing agreement with India. As Hu Suisheng, senior fellow at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, once noted, such cooperation would implicitly acknowledge India's border position—especially over Arunachal Pradesh, which China disputes. Despite the rhetoric of regional uplift and mutual benefit, India's concerns have been routinely dismissed by the Chinese official narrative and online discourse. There has been no consultation, only unilateral action over a transboundary river system that feeds millions downstream. Beneath China's rhetoric of development flows a deeper current, shaped by quiet force and strategic intent. This is not merely the redirection of water but the rewriting of the regional order through determination and power. For New Delhi, this dam raises alarm. For Beijing, this is advantageous on multiple fronts. Cooperation may be the language used, but the headwaters of the Brahmaputra speak of dominance and unilateral action, not dialogue or mutual benefit. Sana Hashmi is a fellow at the Taiwan-Asia Exchange Foundation. She tweets @sanahashmi1. Views are personal. (Edited by Ratan Priya)
Memri
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Memri
Prominent Chinese Journalist Hu Xijin: Iran Wouldn't Be in Such a Passive Position Against Israel If It Had Chinese Fighter Jets, Air Defense Systems Like Pakistan Does
On June 17, 2025, prominent Chinese journalist Hu Xijin posted to his Kuaishou account a video in which he said that in the current conflict between Israel and Iran, Iran wouldn't have been put 'in such a passive position' if it had Chinese J-10 fighter jets and Red Flag air defense systems like he said Pakistan does. He said: 'Developing countries should draw lessons from the starkly different outcomes of the India-Pakistan conflict and the Israel-Iran conflict depending on whether Chinese weapons were involved, and adjust their defense strategies accordingly.'
Miami Herald
17-06-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
China Touts Weapons Capabilities As Iran's Defenses Collapse
The collapse of Iran's air defenses in the face of Israeli attacks has prompted influential Chinese commentators to say it could have fared better if it had been supplied with Chinese weaponry. Chinese fighter aircraft proved themselves in combat for Pakistan during its recent confrontation with India, with Pakistani forces claiming to have shot down Indian jets. "Iran's biggest mistake was not purchasing weapons from China," wrote "Former HR himself," a Weibo account with two million followers. Newsweek reached out to the Iranian and Chinese foreign ministeries by email with requests for comment. The Chinese comments on the failure of Iran's air defenses, which were largely dependent on Russian systems, highlight the increasing prominence of the latest Chinese weapons technology and China's desire to secure new markets for it. The apparent success of Chinese air power in the confrontation between India and Pakistan had already elevated its profile, with stocks in Chinese defense company AVIC Shenyang soaring by 10 percent on last week's news that Pakistan planned to acquire 40 of its J-35 fighters. Countries unable to acquire advanced fighter jets from the U.S. are increasingly turning to China as an alternative supplier, as Beijing positions itself as a viable competitor by ramping up exports and strategic partnerships, as well as showcasing its aircraft in military drills. China Central Television program Defense Review said that netizens from several Muslim-majority countries had called on their governments to introduce the Chinese J-35 fighter jet immediately after seeing what had happened in Iran. These calls-from nationals of Pakistan, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Algeria, and others-illustrated a growing desire to strengthen security partnerships with China as a way to counter U.S.-built hardware, such as the F-35s flown by Israel, the report said. This narrative was also taken up by Hu Xijin, the outspoken former editor of the state-run nationalist tabloid Global Times, who has nearly 25 million followers on the Chinese microblogging platform Weibo. "If Iran had several dozen J-10s, plus a Hongqi series missile air defense system, and with Pakistan's level of air defense, it would probably not be as easily struck by Israel like this," Hu wrote in the now-deleted post. The J-10 is an older generation fighter than the J-35. Once heavily reliant on Russian imports, China has transitioned to developing its own advanced aircraft-demonstrating growing self-sufficiency and competitiveness that may surpass Russia, experts say. A recent analysis report by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) reveals revealed that Myanmar, Pakistan, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates were the primary recipients of China's arms sales. The UAE has once eyed American F-35 jets. "Former HR himself," a Weibo account with 2 million followers, wrote Saturday: "Small drone strikes and countermeasures against air defense missiles were not strong enough. Iran's biggest mistake was not purchasing weapons from China." The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) wrote in a March report: "While China is looking to increase its arms exports globally, many of the world's largest importers still choose not to buy major arms from China for political reasons. "The bulk of Chinese arms exports (77 percent) went to states in Asia and Oceania, followed by those in Africa (14 percent). China delivered major arms to 44 states in 2020–24, but almost two-thirds of its arms exports (63 percent) went to just one state: Pakistan." Guo Jiakun, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, told reporters Monday: "We stand ready to maintain communication and coordination with relevant parties, play a constructive role for the deescalation of the situation, and create a favorable environment for the political and diplomatic settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue." Israel's success against Iran could push that country towards acquiring Chinese air defense systems in the future. Other countries in the Middle East and beyond are likely to be watching and potentially looking more seriously at Chinese systems. Related Articles Why Trump Needs Tesla | OpinionMap Shows World's Nuclear Stockpiles As China Warheads IncreaseDonald Trump on Potentially Adding Russia and China to G7US Stealth Jet Carrier Patrols South Pacific Amid China Rivalry 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
17-06-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
China Touts Weapons Capabilities As Iran's Defenses Collapse
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The collapse of Iran's air defenses in the face of Israeli attacks has prompted influential Chinese commentators to say it could have fared better if it had been supplied with Chinese weaponry. Chinese fighter aircraft proved themselves in combat for Pakistan during its recent confrontation with India, with Pakistani forces claiming to have shot down Indian jets. "Iran's biggest mistake was not purchasing weapons from China," wrote "Former HR himself," a Weibo account with two million followers. Newsweek reached out to the Iranian and Chinese foreign ministeries by email with requests for comment. Why It Matters The Chinese comments on the failure of Iran's air defenses, which were largely dependent on Russian systems, highlight the increasing prominence of the latest Chinese weapons technology and China's desire to secure new markets for it. The apparent success of Chinese air power in the confrontation between India and Pakistan had already elevated its profile, with stocks in Chinese defense company AVIC Shenyang soaring by 10 percent on last week's news that Pakistan planned to acquire 40 of its J-35 fighters. Countries unable to acquire advanced fighter jets from the U.S. are increasingly turning to China as an alternative supplier, as Beijing positions itself as a viable competitor by ramping up exports and strategic partnerships, as well as showcasing its aircraft in military drills. What To Know China Central Television program Defense Review said that netizens from several Muslim-majority countries had called on their governments to introduce the Chinese J-35 fighter jet immediately after seeing what had happened in Iran. These calls—from nationals of Pakistan, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Algeria, and others—illustrated a growing desire to strengthen security partnerships with China as a way to counter U.S.-built hardware, such as the F-35s flown by Israel, the report said. This narrative was also taken up by Hu Xijin, the outspoken former editor of the state-run nationalist tabloid Global Times, who has nearly 25 million followers on the Chinese microblogging platform Weibo. "If Iran had several dozen J-10s, plus a Hongqi series missile air defense system, and with Pakistan's level of air defense, it would probably not be as easily struck by Israel like this," Hu wrote in the now-deleted post. The J-10 is an older generation fighter than the J-35. Once heavily reliant on Russian imports, China has transitioned to developing its own advanced aircraft—demonstrating growing self-sufficiency and competitiveness that may surpass Russia, experts say. A recent analysis report by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) reveals revealed that Myanmar, Pakistan, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates were the primary recipients of China's arms sales. The UAE has once eyed American F-35 jets. What People Are Saying "Former HR himself," a Weibo account with 2 million followers, wrote Saturday: "Small drone strikes and countermeasures against air defense missiles were not strong enough. Iran's biggest mistake was not purchasing weapons from China." The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) wrote in a March report: "While China is looking to increase its arms exports globally, many of the world's largest importers still choose not to buy major arms from China for political reasons. "The bulk of Chinese arms exports (77 percent) went to states in Asia and Oceania, followed by those in Africa (14 percent). China delivered major arms to 44 states in 2020–24, but almost two-thirds of its arms exports (63 percent) went to just one state: Pakistan." Guo Jiakun, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, told reporters Monday: "We stand ready to maintain communication and coordination with relevant parties, play a constructive role for the deescalation of the situation, and create a favorable environment for the political and diplomatic settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue." What Happens Next Israel's success against Iran could push that country towards acquiring Chinese air defense systems in the future. Other countries in the Middle East and beyond are likely to be watching and potentially looking more seriously at Chinese systems.
American Military News
19-05-2025
- Politics
- American Military News
Chinese weapons gain credibility after Pakistan-India conflict
The recent conflict between India and Pakistan is prompting a reassessment of Chinese weapons, challenging long-held perceptions of their inferiority to Western arms and sparking concern in places wary of Beijing. Pakistan hailed the use of its Chinese J-10Cs to shoot down five Indian fighters, including French-made Rafale aircraft, last week in response to Indian military strikes. Although the reports haven't been confirmed, and India hasn't commented, the jet's maker saw its market capitalization soar by over 55 billion yuan ($7.6 billion), or more than a fourth, by the end of last week. Hu Xijin, the ex-editor-in-chief of China's nationalist tabloid Global Times, warned on social media that if Pakistan's successful strikes were true, Taiwan should feel 'even more scared.' Beijing sees the self-ruled democracy as its own, and reserves the right to use military force to bring it under control. Taiwan closely watched the clash between Pakistan and India, according to Shu Hsiao-Huang, an associate research fellow at the Institute of National Defense and Security Research, a government-funded military think tank based in Taipei. 'We may need to reassess the PLA's air combat capabilities, which may be approaching — or even surpassing — the level of U.S. air power deployments in East Asia,' Shu said, adding Washington might want to consider selling more advanced systems to Taiwan. While President Xi Jinping has been trying to modernize the world's biggest military by the number of active personnel, the People's Liberation Army has been mired in scandals. That had raised questions about the combat-readiness of its powerful and secretive Rocket Force, which is responsible for conventional missiles and would play a crucial role in any invasion of Taiwan. The reported success of J-10Cs, which have had few battle tests and are used to patrol the Taiwan Strait, appears to counter those doubts. It's still uncertain, however, how they would fare against U.S. fighters such as the F-16, which make up the bulk of Taiwan's jets and have been combat-proven across decades and militaries. Another Chinese weapon Pakistan uses will also be coming under intense scrutiny by Beijing's adversaries. Parts of Chinese air-to-air PL-15 missiles found in India after the reported shoot-downs suggest the weapons, deployed on Pakistan's J-10C aircraft, proved effective in their first known combat use. With a top speed above Mach 5, the PL-15 is a rival to Western air-to-air missiles. China is the world's fourth-largest arms exporter but its customers are mostly developing nations like Pakistan that have limited funds. The latest developments could bolster Beijing's sales pitch as major economies from Europe to Asia heed President Donald Trump's call to ramp up defense spending. 'There is a good chance the weapons systems China is able to offer will be even more appealing to potential buyers' especially in the Global South, said James Char, assistant professor of the China Program at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, noting the J-10C is not even China's most advanced jet. Buying weapons has also become a focus for developing nations, mulling U.S. arms purchases to appease Trump and his demands to reduce American trade imbalances. Several of these countries list China as a top trading partner and could consider hedging bets by acquiring systems from the Asian country, too. China's overseas arms sales have been growing, with its five-year average weapons exports more than tripling in 2020-2024 from 2000-2004, according to calculations based on data from Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. Chinese government and state-owned enterprises do not disclose data on arms exports. Some of the largest state-owned players — also blacklisted by the U.S. — include Norinco Group, which makes armored vehicles and anti-missiles systems; Aviation Industry Corporation of China, whose subsidiary AVIC Chengdu Aircraft Co. manufactured the J-10Cs; as well as China State Shipbuilding Corp., a producer of frigates and submarines. M. Taylor Fravel, director of the Security Studies Program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, cautioned that the Chinese jet was primarily for aerial combat, while the Rafale was designed to conduct many kinds of missions, meaning the J-10 may have held an advantage. Chinese weapons exports have been plagued for years by defects, specialists have said, adding that the seemingly inexpensive systems can drain security budgets due to maintenance expenses. 'China attracts customers for its military equipment with cut-rate pricing and financing but there are hidden costs — especially when gear malfunctions,' Cindy Zheng, then a researcher at Rand Corp., wrote in a research paper just before joining the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission in the latter stages of the Biden administration. In 2022, Myanmar had to reportedly ground its fleet of Chinese fighter jets due to structural cracks and other technical issues. Bangladesh lodged complaints with Beijing about the quality of its military hardware last year. Even the Pakistan Navy has been facing issues with its F-22P frigates, forcing them to operate the vessels with significantly degraded capabilities. 'Questions about combat capabilities and other issues, including concerns about interoperability with non-Chinese platforms, have hampered China's ability to expand exports beyond a handful of countries,' Bloomberg Intelligence's senior associate analyst Eric Zhu wrote in a note last week. China's Defense Ministry didn't respond to a request for comment on the past weapon defects and the J-10C's recent performance. Beijing regularly says that its military helps maintain global stability and that it prefers to resolve the Taiwan issue peacefully. Xi has been trying to turn China's defense industry around by bringing together the military and civilian sectors, in an effort to transform the PLA into a modern force by 2027. That's led to breakthroughs such as China's launch in December of its first next-generation amphibious assault ships, considered the world's largest of its kind. A video of what is believed to be a test flight of the nations' sixth-generation fighter jet circulated on social media that year, leading to a rally in defense stocks. But it's wrong to call the J-10C's potential success a 'DeepSeek moment' for China's military, said Fravel, referring to the artificial intelligence chat bot that surprised the world earlier this year, noting that the jet's design wasn't new. 'But it doesn't need to be a DeepSeek moment to be significant,' he added. 'A lot is being learned about how Chinese systems perform under combat conditions.' ___ © 2025 Bloomberg News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
