| Summary/Abstract |
The JF-17 Thunder fighter aircraft, jointly developed by Pakistan and China, can be considered a show-case of Sino-Pak defence cooperation. Pakistan continues to be China’s strongest ally. After dismemberment of Pakistan and creation of Bangladesh in 1971, Pakistan forged a formal strategic alliance with China in 1972. The China Pakistan economic Corridor (CPEC) remains the ‘crown-jewel’ of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Pakistan continues to be a key element of China’s ‘string of pearls’ policy to create sphere of influence around India. For Pakistan, China is a low-cost-high-value deterrent against India. China helped Pakistan build its military-industrial complex, and Pakistan is the biggest purchaser of Chinese weapons. Aerospace has been the lynch-pin of Sino-Pak defence relationship. China helped Pakistan set up the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC). Pakistan today produces 25 JF-17 a year, and, with help of China, is looking for export markets in competition with India’s Light Combat Aircraft (LCA). Pakistan Air Force (PAF) and Peoples Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) regularly conduct Shaheen series of joint air exercises. Close ties between PLAAF and PAF force Indian Air Force (IAF) to cater for a two front war. Pakistan is strong enough to be a spoiler and, in cahoots with China, could pose a substantial threat.
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