How Chinese Embassies Sabotaged France’s Rafale Fighter Jet Sales: Insights from French Intelligence

PARIS (AP) — Recently, Chinese embassies have been actively questioning the performance of French-made Rafale jets after they engaged in combat during clashes between India and Pakistan in May. French military and intelligence officials suspect Beijing’s involvement in a campaign to damage the Rafale’s reputation and sales.

According to a French intelligence report, defense officials in Chinese embassies have tried to convince countries that ordered Rafale jets, especially Indonesia, to reconsider their purchases and opt for Chinese alternatives instead. This follows significant air combat between India and Pakistan, where both nations deployed multiple fighter jets.

In May, Pakistan claimed it shot down five Indian planes, asserting that three were Rafales. Meanwhile, French officials suggested that only three Indian aircraft were lost, including a Rafale. This marked the first combat loss for the Rafale, which has been sold to eight countries.

“What’s happening makes nations that bought Rafales question their decision,” said French air force chief Gen. Jérôme Bellanger.

France has since been working hard to defend the Rafale from what they describe as a targeted disinformation campaign. This effort has included social media posts and digitally altered images suggesting a failure of the Rafale in combat. Research reveals that over 1,000 new social media accounts began disseminating narratives favoring Chinese technology during this conflict.

While French officials have not directly linked this disinformation to the Chinese government, they report that Chinese defense attaches in embassies abroad have echoed negative sentiments about the Rafale’s performance in conversations with other nations. China claims all such accusations are false, maintaining it plays a responsible role in military exports.

China’s disinformation tactics have grown in recent years, utilizing social media influencers and fake news sites to push their agenda. Their aim seems clear—undermine the Rafale’s credibility and promote their own military technology.

French officials assert that the Rafale symbolizes more than just a fighter jet; it represents France’s defense strategy and industrial reliability. They view the attacks as part of a broader campaign to weaken France’s international partnerships and strategic capabilities.

As of now, Dassault Aviation has exported 323 Rafales, sold to various countries including Egypt, India, and Qatar. Indonesia, which has ordered 42 jets, is contemplating additional purchases. Defense expert Justin Bronk suggests that China’s strategy aims to undermine French influence in the Indo-Pacific region by questioning the reliability of its military exports.

In summary, this ongoing situation showcases both international tensions and the complex interplay of military technology and national reputation on the global stage.



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China government, China, France, Pakistan, India, General news, Military and defense, Social media, War and unrest, Misinformation, International News, Asia Pacific, South Asia, International trade, Justin Bronk, Jrme Bellanger, World news, World News