How Beijing exploits UAE and Pakistan ties to analyze Western aircraft

In the article "From Eurofighter to F-16 — How China Uses Pakistan to Gain ‘Critical Info’ On Western Aircraft Using Military Drills," the EurAsian Times delves into China's strategic use of military exercises to enhance its understanding of Western aviation technology. This analysis underscores how Beijing is leveraging its relationships and joint drills to close the technological gap with Western air forces.

The article highlights China's recent military collaboration with the UAE through the "Falcon Shield" exercises. These drills, conducted in Xinjiang, involve simulated strikes on US aircraft and carriers using model replicas of American F-35s and F-22s. Such activities raise concerns about China's ability to gather critical intelligence on Western military capabilities. The presence of UAE aircraft, like the Dassault Mirage 2000 and Airbus MRTT, in these exercises further complicates the scenario, providing China with insights into both Western and modern Chinese combat aircraft interactions.

Additionally, the article emphasizes China's military partnership with Pakistan, which plays a crucial role in China's intelligence-gathering efforts. Pakistan’s use of Chinese-made JF-17 and J-10C aircraft, along with American F-16s, offers China a unique vantage point to analyze Western technology indirectly. The article mentions past exercises like Shaheen-X and Falcon Talon 2024, where Pakistani F-16s and JF-17s interacted with Western aircraft, providing China with valuable data on Western jet performance.

The strategic implications of these drills are significant. The article notes that military exercises offer opportunities for detailed analysis of aircraft performance, including strengths, weaknesses, and operational tactics. By observing and engaging in dissimilar air combat scenarios, China can refine its own technological capabilities and adapt its strategies accordingly.

The piece also discusses the broader context of UAE-China relations, which have been strengthening despite traditional Western alignments. The UAE’s recent military acquisitions, such as the Hongdu L-15A jet trainers and medium-altitude UAVs, underscore this growing partnership and its potential implications for Western military technology.

Lastly, the article connects these developments to Taiwan, highlighting concerns over how China might use insights gained from these exercises to enhance its military strategies against Taiwan, which operates similar Western aircraft like the Mirage 2000 and advanced F-16s.