The India-Pakistan conflict has created a rare intelligence opportunity for China to study its regional rival in action. As Pakistani forces use Chinese-made J-10 fighter jets and other advanced systems, Beijing is likely collecting critical data in real-time.
Security analysts say China’s surveillance capabilities now span land, sea, air, and space. It can monitor India from its Himalayan bases, Indian Ocean ships, and its fleet of 267 satellites—115 of which focus on intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.
Singapore-based analyst Alexander Neill calls it “a rare target of opportunity” for Beijing. With its J-10s in Pakistani hands, China can watch how its jets perform against Western aircraft like India’s French-made Rafales—two of which Pakistan claims to have downed, though India denies this.
Chinese Satellites and Sea Power
China’s growing space assets allow it to observe military movements and missile launches as they happen. Analysts say Beijing would be especially interested if India deploys the BrahMos cruise missile, developed with Russia, which has never been used in combat.
China’s sea-based surveillance is also increasing. The Indian Ocean recently saw a surge in Chinese fishing vessels near Indian naval drills. Analysts suggest these vessels act as maritime spies, relaying data to Chinese intelligence. On May 1, 224 such ships moved close to Indian war games in the Arabian Sea.
According to open-source tracker Damien Symon, these boats “double up as listening posts,” offering early warning and naval intelligence.
Deep Ties with Pakistan
Beijing and Islamabad maintain a close strategic partnership. Chinese advisers often work with Pakistan’s military. This access may allow China to gather data on Indian air defence systems, missile accuracy, and command decisions.
Analyst James Char says China will “exploit this access” to collect valuable battlefield insights.
Despite the brewing crisis, India’s High Commissioner in the UK downplayed the issue. “China needs ties with all neighbours, including us,” he told Sky News.
But analysts remain firm: China’s military will use every tool to study India’s strengths and weaknesses as the India-Pakistan conflict unfolds—turning the crisis into a high-stakes intelligence operation.
