China’s state-run media and social platforms have largely amplified Pakistan’s narrative of the recent terrorist attack on Indian tourists in Pahalgam, Kashmir and India’s subsequent retaliation.
While the attack in Pahalgam drew global condemnation, it received little to no initial coverage in Chinese media. It was only after India announced punitive measures and cross-border hostilities resumed that Chinese outlets began actively reporting on the crisis.
Even then, the focus remained skewed — not on the terror strike itself, but on Pakistan’s military response and alleged Indian losses.
Flagship Chinese outlets like Global Times, CGTN, and Xinhua ran sensational headlines such as “Pakistan shoots down 5 Indian jets as India launches strikes” and “Pakistan Military: Hit BrahMos Missile Site in India.” These stories, citing Pakistani military sources, presented Islamabad’s version almost uncritically — a move analysts say reflects Beijing’s deepening strategic ties with its “iron brother.”
Hashtags like #PakistanShotDown6IndianFighterJets and #IndiaAcknowledgesTheLossOfThreeFighterJets quickly trended on On Chinese social media platform Weibo .
Many posts praised the performance of Chinese-supplied J-10C fighter jets used by Pakistan, turning the conflict into an informal promotion for Chinese defence exports. One viral comment went as far as saying, “If India keeps messing around with water issues, Pakistan might just bomb the dam,” revealing the depth of anti-India sentiment among sections of Chinese netizens.
Digital satire also played a role in reinforcing the narrative. A viral post mocked India by featuring content creators dressed in caricatured Indian costumes dancing to a parody of Daler Mehndi’s Tunak Tunak Tun—celebrating the downing of Indian aircraft.
Despite official Chinese statements urging restraint and dialogue, the media coverage and social chatter suggest a clear tilt. “China is playing both referee and cheerleader,” said one regional analyst. “It calls for peace, but cheers Pakistan on from the sidelines.”
