From Copycats to Contenders: The Rising Efficacy of Chinese Weapons

Reading Time: 3 minutes The recent Indo-Pak conflict of early 2025 has brought to light a significant shift in global military dynamics. One of the most notable developments was the performance of next-generation Chinese weaponry used by Pakistani forces. Once criticised for their perceived inferiority, Chinese arms are increasingly proving their worth on the battlefield. This evolution, experts suggest, reflects China’s growing maturity as a defence manufacturer and strategic exporter. A History of Perception Problems Historically, Chinese weapons have carried a reputation for being low-cost, low-capability alternatives to Western or Russian systems. This image, however, has been shaped not purely by the quality of the systems themselves, but by: End-User Competence: Many of the earliest Chinese arms clients lacked the operational infrastructure, training, or doctrine to utilise the weapons effectively. Lower-Grade Exports: China often exported downgraded or export-only variants of its platforms, which were less capable than their PLA counterparts.