Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has warned that China’s deep military and economic ties with Pakistan make it an unavoidable factor in any conflict involving Islamabad. During his visit to the United States as head of a parliamentary delegation, Shashi Tharoor emphasized that India must remain alert to the growing nexus between China and Pakistan, especially in light of recent hostilities and the role Chinese equipment played in Pakistan’s military strategy during Operation Sindoor.
China’s Strategic Stakes in Pakistan
Speaking to think tank representatives at the Indian Embassy in Washington DC, Shashi Tharoor noted that 81 percent of Pakistan’s defence equipment comes from China. He said that the term “defence” may not be appropriate here, suggesting that “offence” better describes the growing capability Pakistan has acquired through its ties with Beijing. Shashi Tharoor also pointed out that the largest project under China’s Belt and Road Initiative—the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)—further highlights how embedded Chinese interests are in Pakistan.
Shashi Tharoor emphasized that while India had been making progress in mending ties with China after the 2020 Galwan Valley clashes, the recent conflict with Pakistan revealed Beijing’s continued support for Islamabad, particularly in diplomatic forums like the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). He cited the UNSC’s April 25 press statement condemning the Pahalgam terror attack, which was stripped of references to The Resistance Front due to Pakistan’s lobbying backed by China.
Military Collaboration During Conflict
Addressing questions at the Council on Foreign Relations, Shashi Tharoor revealed that Chinese-supplied systems such as radar, GPS, and missile tech had enabled Pakistan to form a ‘kill chain’—an integrated strike mechanism. He said India had to adjust its battle strategies in real-time to effectively counter these threats. India eventually succeeded in neutralizing 11 Pakistani airfields and breaching air defences supplied by China.
Shashi Tharoor clarified that India does not seek hostility, noting that trade with China remains at record highs. However, he stressed that India cannot afford to ignore the “currents” around it, given China’s strategic investments and military aid to Pakistan. He reiterated India’s preference for open communication and peaceful growth but underlined the need to stay vigilant against security threats shaped by foreign influences.
