In May, China appointed Xu Feihong as its new ambassador to New Delhi after nearly two years, marking a shift in relations with India, which have been strained by border standoffs since the summer of 2020. Concurrently, China has deployed advanced J-20 stealth fighter jets close to the Indian border in Sikkim, escalating tensions despite diplomatic efforts. This strategic move by Beijing illustrates a complex blend of diplomacy and military assertiveness that New Delhi will need to navigate carefully.
Chinese state media hailed Xu Feihong’s appointment as a crucial opportunity to enhance bilateral communication and reduce misunderstandings, suggesting a potential return to healthier Sino-Indian relations. However, the Chinese military has continued to reinforce its presence near the border. Satellite images from May revealed J-20 fighters stationed at the high-altitude Shigatse airport in Tibet, less than 150 km from the Sikkim border, posing a direct threat to Indian territory.
The placement of these aircraft, just under 300 km from India’s Hasimara airbase in West Bengal, which houses the Indian Air Force’s Rafale fighters, exacerbates military tensions. Since PLA troops transgressed in eastern Ladakh in 2020, India has fortified its defenses, upgrading airbases, deploying the S-400 missile defense system, and readying its Rafale fleet to counter potential threats.
China’s dual approach of advocating dialogue while enhancing its military capabilities reflects a complex strategy. By deploying J-20 fighters, Beijing aims to maintain a position of strength even as it engages in diplomacy. This ‘double game’ complicates regional security dynamics and keeps India on high alert. Experts emphasize the need for both nations to maintain a delicate balance to prevent further escalation. The international community closely monitors these developments, recognizing their significant implications for regional stability in South Asia.
While the J-20 deployment bolsters China’s military presence at the borders, its effectiveness is questioned due to perceived shortcomings of the jet and the experienced military capabilities of its regional rivals. Despite China’s aggressive stance, the US, Japan, South Korea, and countries with longstanding disputes such as India, Vietnam, and Taiwan continue to advance their fifth-generation fighter plans, including India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).
China’s Chengdu J-20 faces significant skepticism regarding its true capabilities in terms of stealth, avionics, and combat readiness. Concerns about compromised technology and less advanced materials, along with the lack of combat exposure and limited pilot experience, further undermine confidence in the PLA Air Force’s (PLAAF) capabilities. The J-20 initially used a Russian-made engine with low stealth characteristics but now features the domestically produced WS-10C engine to minimize radar signature.
As China adopts an aggressive stance, countries like the US and India respond by fortifying their defenses and advancing their fifth-generation fighter programs. India’s deployment of Rafale fighters and advanced missile systems underscores the evolving dynamics of regional military posturing and the need for vigilance against China’s assertive moves. The Rafale, a combat-proven 4.5-generation fighter, boasts greater fuel and weapons capacity compared to the J-20 and versatility in advanced avionics and systems, making it formidable in various scenarios.
