SOURCE: AFI
Chinese social media platforms are abuzz with criticism and skepticism following reports that the Chinese government may supply the Shenyang J-35A (also known as the FC-31) stealth fighter to Pakistan, despite the aircraft not yet being inducted into the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) or Navy (PLAN). Netizens have raised concerns about the rationale behind this move, pointing to China’s own production challenges and Pakistan’s financial constraints, as evidenced by posts on platforms like X dated June 6, 2025.
Posts on X reveal a wave of discontent among Chinese netizens. A user named Yingyang Medical School (@Zhejiang) questioned Pakistan’s ability to afford the J-35A, stating, “Pakistan has also made a lot of fake news. How can it afford to buy it? It hasn’t even paid for the J-10.” This sentiment reflects broader concerns about Pakistan’s economic situation, especially given its history of delayed payments for previous military acquisitions like the J-10C. Another user, CQL0530 (
@Zhejiang), argued, “China can sell the J-10C because the production capacity diversion channel is too expensive. China’s own production of the J-35 has not yet been built up. How can it be given to them?” The post highlights frustration over the prioritization of exports over domestic needs, especially since the J-35A remains in the testing phase for the PLAAF and PLAN.
Other users expressed more emotional reactions. Angry Man 1957 (@Guangdong) bluntly called the decision “Bullshit!” while —Clouds rise and fall— (@Sichuan) lamented, “I can’t afford it all,” possibly alluding to the financial burden such exports place on China. Meanwhile, Cracked Rose (@Guangdong) speculated about future developments, noting, “2 more powerful printers are coming,” potentially referring to increased production capacity, though the context remains unclear. The overall tone on social media reflects a mix of skepticism, frustration, and confusion about the strategic logic behind the move.
The Shenyang J-35A, a carrier-capable variant of the FC-31, is a fifth-generation stealth fighter designed to enhance China’s aerial capabilities. Initially developed as a private venture by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, the FC-31 struggled to gain traction within the PLAAF due to concerns over its performance and cost. However, recent developments suggest that the PLAN has shown interest in the J-35A for its aircraft carriers, with flight tests ongoing as of mid-2025. Despite this progress, the aircraft has not been officially inducted into either branch of the Chinese military, making the potential export to Pakistan a surprising and controversial decision.
China and Pakistan share a long-standing military partnership, often described as an “all-weather friendship.” China has been a major supplier of military hardware to Pakistan, including the JF-17 Thunder, J-10C fighters, and HQ-9 air defense systems. The potential supply of the J-35A would mark a significant escalation in this relationship, providing Pakistan with a stealth fighter to counter India’s growing air power, particularly after the IAF’s successful strikes on PAF infrastructure and the deployment of the S-400 system, which has imposed a 200 km no-fly zone along the International Border.
The concerns raised by Chinese netizens are not without merit. First, the J-35A’s development is still ongoing, and its production lines are not fully operational. Exporting such an aircraft before it is inducted into the PLAAF or PLAN could divert critical resources and delay China’s own military modernization. Second, Pakistan’s economic situation remains precarious, with a history of delayed payments for military purchases. Netizens like Lu Kingiei (@Heilongjiang) have even accused Pakistan of engaging in “information warfare” by spreading fake news about its acquisitions, further eroding trust in the deal.
Additionally, the strategic rationale for supplying a stealth fighter to Pakistan at this juncture is unclear. While it could serve as a counterbalance to India’s air power, the PAF’s current focus appears to be on rebuilding its air defense and surveillance capabilities—areas where the J-35A offers limited utility. The aircraft’s high cost and maintenance requirements could further strain Pakistan’s defense budget, especially as it seeks replacements for destroyed assets like the NG-MMCCs through visits to Turkey.
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