AP: French intelligence accuses China of using diplomatic channels to defame Rafale fighter jets, China responds with denial
AP reported on July 6, stating that the French intelligence agency accused China of launching a systematic campaign through its embassies abroad to damage the reputation of the French Rafale fighter jet, attempting to block orders from countries such as Indonesia and pushing other countries to turn to Chinese fighter jets.
According to the intelligence report provided by the French military, defense attachés at Chinese embassies in multiple countries frequently contacted countries purchasing the Rafale, claiming that the aircraft's "combat performance was poor" after the India-Pakistan air battle in May, while promoting Chinese-made alternative models. This four-day air battle was the most serious conflict between India and Pakistan in years, with both sides deploying dozens of aircraft, and Pakistan claimed to have shot down five Indian aircraft (including three Rafales), while General Berger of the French Air Force refuted this, stating that India only lost one Rafale, one Russian Su-30, and one older Mirage 2000 — which was also the first recorded loss of a Rafale in combat.
France's Ministry of Defense revealed that the smear campaign against the Rafale included three methods: over a thousand new social media accounts emerged, spreading AI-fabricated images of "Rafale wreckage," altering game footage to simulate air combat defeats, and promoting the narrative of "Chinese technological advantages." Although France has not directly linked cyberattacks to the Chinese government, intelligence shows that the offline lobbying content of diplomats is highly consistent with online propaganda, with clear targeting of existing and potential Rafale customers. Dassault Aviation has sold 533 Rafales to eight countries (323 exports), and the 42-plane order for Indonesia may be expanded, becoming a focal point in the Sino-French rivalry.
Justin Bronk, an air expert at the Royal United Services Institute in London, analyzed that China aims to use the India-Pakistan conflict as a "living laboratory" to test the effectiveness of weapons and weaken French influence in the Indo-Pacific security relationship by denigrating Western equipment: "Undermining the appeal of Rafale exports aligns with China's strategic logic of limiting regional influence." The French Ministry of Defense stated that the Rafale represents "the national image of French strategic autonomy and industrial reliability," and the defamation is actually a blow to its defense foundation. The Chinese Ministry of Defense responded to the allegations as "baseless rumors," stating that it maintains a "cautious and responsible attitude" towards arms sales.
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1836893624256713/
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