China ramps up arms exports to Pakistan, aiming to squeeze India

Beijing and Islamabad grow closer with eye on mutual rival

20220323N Chinese fighter

A J-10C fighter jet on display at Airshow China 2021 in Guangdong Province. © Getty Images

TSUKASA HADANO and MOYURU BABA, Nikkei staff writers

BEIJING/NEW DELHI -- From the sale of stealth fighters to submarines, China is accelerating its defense cooperation with Pakistan in a bid to exert pressure on India, a rival in border disputes with both.

China is believed to want to expand its influence in South Asia while the U.S. and Europe are focused on the war in Ukraine. Beijing "stands ready to provide assistance within its capacity for Pakistan to overcome difficulties and recover its economy," Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan in a Tuesday meeting, according to China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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