As Beijing readies 30 J-35A jets for export to Pakistan, domestic backlash erupts over costs, priorities, and Pakistan’s shaky payment record.
June 7, 2025: In a deal that has stunned Chinese citizens and ignited fierce online debate, Beijing is reportedly preparing to deliver 30 J-35A stealth fighters to Pakistan — at a 50% discount. The Shenyang J-35A (also known as FC-31) is still undergoing testing and has yet to enter service with China’s own air force.
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The steep discount and fast-tracked delivery — with arrivals expected by August 2025 — has triggered criticism across Chinese social media platforms. The core of the backlash? “Who’s footing the bill?”
🚨 Satellite images confirm 🇨🇳 #China has deployed the #J35 Ghost Fighter to Shenyang Air Base — a major leap in its aviation power.
— War Doctrine (@War_Doctrine) June 7, 2025
With both the #J20 & #J35, 🇨🇳 becomes the only country besides 🇺🇸 the US to field two 5th-gen stealth jets.
The #J35, expected to be exported to… pic.twitter.com/PBIIaaICXr
China’s Fifth-Gen Gamble
The J-35, designed to rival Western stealth aircraft like the F-35, is being marketed aggressively by Beijing as part of its global defense export push. However, many citizens and analysts are baffled by the timing, especially given Pakistan’s mounting debts and outstanding payments — including for previously purchased J-10C jets.
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Public Outrage in China
On social media platform X, users openly questioned the logic behind subsidizing stealth fighters for a country heavily reliant on IMF bailouts.
“Pakistan hasn’t even paid for the J-10 — how can it afford the J-35?” wrote one user.
Another fumed, “China hasn’t even ramped up domestic production of the J-35. This is absurd.”
Others mocked the move as “military charity” and pointed out that Pakistan might be better off investing in industry and infrastructure rather than cutting-edge jets.
Delayed Reality?
Defense experts suggest that despite pilot training already underway, the J-35 deal is unlikely to be fully executed before 2030 due to Pakistan’s financial constraints. As one analyst noted, “Pending J-10C payments could take 8 years to clear.”
China’s state media has stayed silent, but the anger online is palpable.
Marketing vs. Combat Reality
Beijing has tried to capitalize on recent Pakistani claims that J-10CE jets downed Indian Rafales during Operation Sindoor. However, there is no independent verification of these claims, and no other country has signed up for the J-10CE — despite pitches to Egypt, Brazil, and Uzbekistan.
The J-35 itself remains untested in actual combat, and its reliance on Russian-designed engines such as the Klimov RD-93 raises further concerns about long-term viability.
Tags:
China Pakistan defense deal, J-35 stealth fighter, Pakistan Air Force, Chinese military exports, Shenyang FC-31, Operation Sindoor, China social media reactions, Pakistan J-10C payments, defense diplomacy