Even though India-Pakistan has returned to a ceasefire, is China the winner?

After four days of shelling, airstrikes and tension, the India-Pakistan border conflict has finally stopped. Both countries are claiming victory. But international experts have a different opinion - according to them, the third party, China, has benefited the most from this fight.

It all started on April 22, with a horrific attack. 26 people were killed in a shooting attack on a group of tourists in Pahalgam, Kashmir. Those who were on holiday and could not return home, added fuel to the fire of war. India alleged that a Pakistan-based militant group was behind the attack. And in response, India launched 'Operation Siddur' on May 7.

After that, nothing stopped. Drones flew, missiles were fired, and fighter jets roared in the sky. India used Rafale and Sukhoi fighter jets in the attack, and Pakistan responded with Chinese-made J-10 and JF-17. Islamabad says it shot down six Indian fighter jets. Delhi, while not denying it outright, is reluctant to say anything.

This is where China's story begins. Analysts say Pakistan's defense is largely dependent on Chinese technology. And if that is successful, then the battlefield has become a real stage for China to show off its weapons power. Countries that have long considered Chinese-made weapons 'cheap but unreliable' may now change their minds.

Shares of China's J-10 fighter jet manufacturer have jumped 40 percent. Chinese social media is celebrating. Some are calling it a "deep sea moment"—where China has shown the world its technological prowess.

But not everyone thinks so. Walter Ladwick, a professor at King's College London, says that now is not the time to compare the Rafale and the J-10. Rather, he raises questions about India's strategy. He does not consider it a safe decision to strike Pakistan without destroying its air defense system.

India says that it has hit 11 Pakistani air bases. But there is no official confirmation of this information. As a result, the media is filled with rumors, confusion and questions. According to analysts, India may have been ahead militarily, but due to not disclosing the information correctly, that success has been covered in smoke.

After four days of tense tension, the two countries have agreed to a ceasefire under international pressure. But this small war is a big message for India—especially when it is seen that Pakistan has been able to resist well by fielding Chinese-made weapons.

China has not said anything officially yet. But in their defense circles and on social media, they are seeing this war as their own ‘psychological victory’. Now many are asking the question—was this war really only between India and Pakistan, or was China also an invisible partner like its shadow?