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News Topical, Digital Desk : According to French intelligence and defense officials, China has instructed its embassies abroad to question the credibility of Rafale fighter jets, especially after the Indo-Pak conflict in May. Its purpose is said to be to affect the sale of France's ambitious aircraft.
What did Pakistan claim?
Pakistan claimed that it shot down five Indian aircraft, including three Rafales. But France rejected this statement and admitted the loss of only one Rafale, one Mirage-2000 and one Sukhoi.
China's 'Disinfo' Strategy
- The French intelligence report said China promoted the Rafale's "poor performance capabilities" in meetings with defence officials abroad.
- China is also suggesting that existing customers like Indonesia choose alternative aircraft and new customers be attracted to Chinese aircraft.
Online campaign also intensifies
- Many fake posts and pictures were circulated on social media showing Rafale debris.
- Video game clips and AI-generated content were used to spread the claim that the Rafale was weaker than the Chinese-made aircraft.
- During the India-Pakistan conflict in May, more than a thousand new social media accounts were created spreading the message "Chinese technology is the best".
France's response
- The French Defence Ministry called it a massive disinfo campaign against the reputation of Rafale and France.
- France says the attack is a mark not just on the aircraft but also on its strategic and technical self-reliance.
- China responded by denying this and said that this is a baseless rumour and China is a responsible defence exporter.
Global impact and prospects
Rafale has been sold to eight countries worldwide (Indonesia, Egypt, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Greece, Croatia, Serbia). Indonesia has purchased 42 and is considering purchasing more.
Defense expert Justin Bronk (Army/Air Force analyst) says that through this campaign, China wants to reduce France's growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
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