Zhang Xiaogang Photo:Ministry of Defense

A Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson has responded to questions regarding the performance of Chinese equipment in the recent India-Pakistan conflict and India's obtainment of an unexploded Chinese-made air-to-air missile. At a regular Thursday press briefing, spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang emphasized China's hope that both sides will remain calm and restrained to avoid further complicating the situation.

When asked for the ministry's comment on the performance of Chinese equipment in the recent India-Pakistan conflict, and on the remarks by Indian military officials that "Pakistan received support from China's air defense and satellite systems, but the performance of these systems was below average," Zhang said on Thursday, "We would like to stress that India and Pakistan are neighbors that cannot be moved. We hope both sides will remain calm and restrained to avoid further complicating the situation." 

China is willing to continue playing a constructive role in maintaining regional peace and stability, he said.

When responding to a question on whether it is true that India had obtained the powerful PL-15E beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile during the India-Pakistan conflict and whether this could lead to reverse engineering of related military technology, Zhang stated that the missile in question is an exported piece of equipment that has been displayed at multiple domestic and international defense exhibitions.

Pakistan and India announced on May 10 that they had agreed on a ceasefire. The announcement came following four days of military strikes on each other, the Xinhua News Agency reported.

"Pakistan has always strived for peace and security in the region, without compromising on its sovereignty and territorial integrity," Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said.

Meanwhile, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said that the two countries agreed to observe a ceasefire and end military actions on their borders and line of control, Xinhua said.

"It was agreed between them that both sides would stop all firing and military action on land, in the air and sea with effect from 5 pm local time on May 10. Instructions have been given on both sides to give effect to this understanding," Misri said at a press briefing in New Delhi.

On May 7, India launched airstrikes on Pakistani targets to avenge last month's killing of 26 people by gunmen in Pahalgam town, about 89 kilometers east of Srinagar, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir, according to Xinhua.

Global Times