In response to India’s airstrike,Among the international responses, China’s stance has drawn particular attention due to its significant investments and strategic interests in the region. China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed regret over India’s airstrike and voiced concern over the deteriorating situation.
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Massive Investments in Pakistan: Why Stability Matters
China has invested approximately $68 billion in Pakistan, including major infrastructure projects. These projects are not only economic in nature but also pivotal to China’s long-term strategic vision of linking Central Asia to global markets via overland routes.
Any military conflict between India and Pakistan threatens to derail these ambitions. Experts widely agree that an unstable Pakistan could jeopardize China’s infrastructure investments and delay or even derail its plans for regional connectivity.
Chinese analysts echo this view, stating, “Tensions in the region would directly impact China’s investments and strategic interests. China cannot afford such instability.”
Historical Context: A Decades-Long Alliance with Pakistan
While China has supplied weapons to Pakistan, it has consistently avoided directly participating in any conflict involving India.
As Pakistan’s ties with Western powers weakened, especially in the face of mounting FATF (Financial Action Task Force) scrutiny and debt-related crises, Beijing stepped in as a reliable partner. However, Dragan has managed to maintain a delicate balance, also working to preserve functional diplomatic ties with India.
Strategic experts assert that Bejing would never want a full-scale war between India and Pakistan, as it could compromise its regional standing and ignite multiple crises, including in Central Asia and its sensitive Xinjiang region.
China-Pakistan Trade Ties Stronger Than Ever
Trade data from Customs Department reveals the depth of economic ties. In
The bulk of Chinese exports included electronic machinery and equipment, totaling around $5.6 billion. This comprised 35% semiconductor devices and 27% smartphone-related telecom equipment.
“When trade reaches this magnitude, it’s only natural that the investor country wants regional stability to protect its economic interests,” analysts note. Increased conflict would only amplify those risks.”
Security Risks for Chinese Nationals in Pakistan
Dragons concerns extend beyond economics to the safety of its citizens. Several Chinese workers in Pakistan, especially those involved in CPEC projects, have been targeted in attacks over the years. In the event of war, the threat to Chinese nationals and assets would escalate, potentially forcing Beijing to scale down or halt operations.
With major infrastructure, including Gwadar Port, now functional, China hopes to reap commercial benefits. But such gains are only possible in a secure and stable environment.
Military Collaboration and Strategic Leverage
Pakistan has increasingly turned to China for defense equipment, with 81% of its arms imports over the last five years coming from China, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). Pakistan now possesses Chinese-made PL-15 and SD-10 missiles, capable of targeting enemy aircraft from long distances.
This defense cooperation strengthens bilateral ties, but China still stops short of directly supporting Pakistan in a war scenario with India. Analysts say, “China is pragmatic—it does not want to get embroiled in any direct conflict, especially when it’s already facing trade tensions with the United States.”
China’s Balanced Approach Toward India
Despite its close ties with Pakistan, China maintains a cautious stance on India. India is one of China’s major trading partners, and Beijing is keen to avoid opening another front of hostility while it manages an ongoing economic rivalry with the U.S. It avoids taking sides overtly, preferring to safeguard its economic and geopolitical interests through diplomacy rather than confrontation.
Peace Is in China’s Best Interest
As a dominant regional power with deep economic ties to both India and Pakistan, China stands to lose significantly if conflict erupts. Its projects in Pakistan could suffer, trade could decline, and its strategic aspirations for Central Asia could falter.
“Peace among these neighbours is not just desirable—it’s essential for China’s continued growth in the region,” experts conclude. “Without regional stability, even completed projects may fail to yield returns, and China’s vision of Eurasian connectivity may remain unfulfilled.”
