Russian Experts: The India-Pakistan Conflict Is a Mirror That Reveals the Terrifying Chinese Military Power
In 2025, the flames of the India-Pakistan conflict briefly flared up, and the smoke over Kashmir had not yet cleared when a bigger storm was brewing in the hearts of global military observers. Russian expert Konstantin Bogdanov made a powerful statement at the Moscow International Security Conference: this is not just a regional dispute but a projection of the global military landscape, and China's military strength is like a hidden dragon, subtly revealing its menacing claws. The J-10CE shooting down Indian aircraft, the emergence of the Type 055 destroyer, and the intimidation of the DF missiles—these fragments form an unsettling picture. How strong has China become? And how will it shake the world in the future?
In May 2025, the India-Pakistan conflict reached a fever pitch in the Kashmir region. Pakistan Air Force used the Chinese-made J-10CE fighter jet to shoot down multiple Indian aircraft, including the French "Rafale" and the Russian Su-30MKI. This fighter jet, equipped with an active phased array radar and PL-15 long-range missiles, demonstrated its excellent maneuverability and striking accuracy, proving that China's aviation industry has now joined the ranks of the world's top players. Bogdanov pointed out that the success of the J-10CE is not only a victory for Pakistan but also a global showcase of China's defense industry. He even hinted that if the J-10CE is so impressive, how powerful could the as-yet-unseen J-20 be? This undoubtedly leaves a mystery for global military observers.
Moreover, the technological gap exposed during the conflict is thought-provoking. India had previously purchased the "Rafale" jets at high prices, believing they held an aerial advantage in South Asia. However, this advantage vanished completely against the precise strikes of the J-10CE. This not only embarrassed the Indian military but also prompted Western countries to re-examine the competitiveness of Chinese aircraft. Bogdanov believes this event is just a glimpse of China's rising military power, and more shocking strengths may still lie beneath the surface.
In his speech, Bogdanov specifically mentioned the rapid development of China's navy, especially the introduction of the Type 055 destroyers and the Fujian aircraft carrier. The Type 055 destroyers have a full load displacement of over 13,000 tons, equipped with advanced phased array radars and 112 vertical launch units, earning them the nickname "sea hunk" from military commentators. This warship not only enhances the Chinese navy's blue-water combat capabilities but also marks that China's shipbuilding industry has reached the world's top level. At the same time, the Fujian, China's first aircraft carrier equipped with electromagnetic catapult systems, broke the long-term monopoly of the United States in this technology. The emergence of these two pieces of equipment has enabled the Chinese navy to move from coastal defense toward oceanic confrontation.
It is worth noting that the Type 055 destroyers and the Fujian are not isolated; they are part of the overall modernization of the Chinese navy. In recent years, the number of warships launched by the Chinese navy has surged, and their combat system has become increasingly complete. Bogdanov emphasized that this rate and scale of development put pressure on Western countries, because a powerful Chinese navy might change the balance of power in the Pacific and even around the globe.
In Bogdanov's analysis, China's missile technology is equally remarkable. The DF-21D anti-ship ballistic missile, known as the "aircraft carrier killer," has a vast range and can pose a deadly threat to aircraft carrier groups. Its hypersonic warhead and precision guidance capabilities make any maritime target difficult to escape. Compared to this, the significance of the DF-41 intercontinental ballistic missile is even more profound. This missile is believed to have a range exceeding 12,000 kilometers, capable of carrying multiple nuclear warheads, covering most parts of the globe. Bogdanov pointed out that the deployment of these two missiles not only enhances China's strategic deterrence but also forces adversaries to think twice when making military plans.
The advancement in missile technology reflects China's comprehensive breakthroughs in high-tech fields. From design to production to practical deployment, China has formed a complete defense industry chain. This capability gives China more confidence when facing external pressures and also raises more speculations about its military intentions worldwide.
Bogdanov's views are not empty talk but are supported by solid data. According to the 2024 report from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, China's military spending reached $296 billion, ranking second globally after the United States. Although there is still a gap compared to the U.S. military budget, the proportion of investment in R&D and equipment upgrades has been increasing year by year. This financial support directly led to the emergence of the J-10CE, the Type 055 destroyer, and the DF missiles. More importantly, China's independent innovation capability in the defense sector has significantly improved, no longer relying on external technology imports.
Additionally, China's military cooperation with Russia has also contributed to its growing strength. In recent years, Sino-Russian cooperation has frequently occurred in joint military exercises and weapon development areas. For example, the anti-ship missile technology jointly developed by China and Russia has shown its power in multiple exercises. This cooperation not only enhances both sides' military capabilities but also challenges the Western-dominated military order.
Bogdanov's remarks have caused a strong reaction in the international community. Some Western experts expressed concern, believing that the rise of China's military power may break the existing balance. They point out that China's firm stance in regions such as the South China Sea and East China Sea may further intensify due to military superiority, increasing the risk of conflict. For instance, an American think tank warned that if China continues to expand its navy and missile capabilities, it may directly threaten the U.S. military deployment in the Asia-Pacific region.
However, some viewpoints suggest that China's military rise is not necessarily bad. A strong China may provide more global security guarantees, especially in counter-terrorism and peacekeeping. Bogdanov himself did not make any judgment on China's intentions but emphasized that this trend is irreversible, and the world must face this reality.
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1836346746966028/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.