CHINA - Benefiting from India-Pakistan Hostilities
The latest flare-up began on 7 May when India launched attacks on what it called “terrorist infrastructure” inside Pakistan in response to the brutal killing of 26 people, mostly tourists by militants in Pahalgam on 22 April.
India reportedly used its French and Russian-made jets, while Pakistan deployed its J-10 and J-17 aircraft, which Islamabad co-produces with Beijing. Both sides say their jets did not cross the border and they were firing missiles at each other from a distance.
Some of the experts have called this a “DeepSeek moment” for the Chinese weapons industry, referring to January this year when the Chinese AI start-up shook US giants with its cost-effective technology.
Shares in the Chinese Avic Chengdu Aircraft company, that manufactures fighter jets like the J-10, surged by up to 40% after the reported performance of the fighter jet in the India-Pakistan conflict.
Experts say the performance of the Chinese jets in a real combat situation was keenly analyzed in Western capitals as this will have cascading impact on global arms trade. The US is the world’s largest arms exporter, while China is the fourth.
For now, China’s defense industry seems to be enjoying the limelight following the claims of success of one of its aircraft in the India-Pakistan conflict.
-www.bbc.com, 19 May 2025
Arno's Commentary
The conflict between India and Pakistan dates back to 1947-1948; it is about the territory of Kashmir, which is claimed by both sides.
The CIA Factbook reports that the population of Pakistan stands at 252 million, in contrast to India’s 1.4 billion. Life expectancy in Pakistan is 70.3 years; in India, 68.2 years. Economically, however, India’s per capita GDP stands at $9,200, while Pakistan’s is only $5,400.
The winner of this conflict, quite apparently, is China. While China provided support during the Korean and Vietnam wars, not much military experience has been gained since that time. Now, the Chinese jet manufacturing company has recorded a 40% increase in shares.
Is there prophetic significance in this conflict? We find that wars in general are on the decrease globally, and are simply part of the statement Jesus made, “And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars” (Matthew 24:6a). But that’s not the end; He continues: “see that ye be not troubled.”
The India-Pakistan conflict will end, and so will all other wars. Peace will be established globally, albeit temporarily. Why? Because true peace only originates from the Prince of Peace. The prophet Isaiah proclaims: “All nations before him are as nothing; and they are counted to him less than nothing, and vanity” (Isaiah 40:17). The chapter ends with a personal promise applicable for believers today: “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31).
Arno Froese is the executive director of Midnight Call Ministries and editor-in-chief of the acclaimed prophetic magazines Midnight Call and News From Israel. He has authored a number of well-received books, and has sponsored many prophecy conferences in the U.S., Canada, and Israel. His extensive travels have contributed to his keen insight into Bible prophecy, as he sees it from an international perspective.
