China Hands Over Next-Gen Jets to Pakistan—At a Price Citizens Can’t Accept

In a surprising defense move, China plans to supply Pakistan with its next-generation stealth fighter jets, the J-35A, at a massive discount. According to reports, Pakistan is set to receive 30 of these advanced aircraft by August 2025—at nearly 50% off. But instead of applause, the deal has ignited a firestorm of criticism inside China itself.

Why Are Chinese Citizens Angry?

The J-35A is still in the testing phase and hasn’t even entered service with China’s own air force. Yet, Beijing seems ready to export the aircraft to Pakistan—raising eyebrows among Chinese taxpayers.

On Chinese social media platforms like Weibo, citizens are lashing out, calling the deal a “charity sale” and questioning the logic of handing over cutting-edge tech to a country that, according to many, hasn’t even paid for earlier military hardware like the J-10.

One user asked, “If Pakistan couldn’t pay for the J-10s, how will it afford the J-35s? Is this really a sale or a handout?”

A Strategic Gamble or a National Waste?

Critics are also concerned about the financial burden this deal may place on Chinese taxpayers. Many argue that the funds could be better invested in domestic development—like industry, education, or infrastructure—rather than equipping an economically unstable ally.

Some defense analysts, however, suggest there’s a deeper strategy. With rising tensions along the Indo-Pak border and a recent terror attack in India’s Pahalgam region, China’s move may be an attempt to strengthen Pakistan’s defense against India.

Pakistan Begins Pilot Training

Despite the backlash, Pakistani pilots are reportedly already undergoing training in China to fly the J-35. However, Beijing has neither officially confirmed the deal nor addressed the growing criticism. This silence has only intensified public skepticism.

Is this a calculated geopolitical maneuver—or simply a PR stunt aimed at pushing China’s fighter jet tech into global markets?

Read More: China Just Unveiled Its Most Powerful Nuclear Missile—and the World Is Shocked

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