After Operation Sindoor, China Targets Indian Jets in Propaganda Drive, Says US Report

Washington: The US-China Economic and Security Review Commission of the US Congress made major allegations against China in its annual report on Tuesday. After Operation Sindoor, a disinformation campaign was launched. The commission said that China spread AI-generated photos from fake internet accounts under gray-zone tactics. It showed the wreckage of Chinese J-35 fighter jets 'destroyed' by Indian attacks. This campaign was to damage France's Rafale fighter deal. Was this Chinese propaganda an attempt to tarnish India's strategic victory?

How did China's AI propaganda work—fake debris pictures in the J-35 vs. Rafale battle?

The report revealed that China made AI-generated pictures viral through fake accounts. It showed the debris of Chinese jets hit by Indian missiles. This campaign was to prove the J-35 is better and to stop the sale of Rafale. After the India-Pakistan conflict in May 2025, China made it an 'opportunity.' The 'sophisticated technology' of its weapons was publicized. China tried to show Indian strikes as weak. 

China benefits from talks; what about India?

The commission said that there is inequality between the two sides on the border issue. China wants to open trade doors through a partial solution, without sacrificing core interests. India demands a permanent solution. Are 2025 commitments short-term or long-term? Describing the Dalai Lama as a subject of controversy. India took the threat from China seriously. Preparations have increased on the border. Will China's 'salami slicing' continue?

On the other hand, even six months after Operation Sindoor in May 2025, Pakistan has not been able to completely repair its military sites. OSINT expert Damien Simon recently shared new satellite images, in which a new structure was seen being built at Rawalpindi's Noor Khan Airbase. The same place where the Indian missiles had fallen.

What is the benefit of Trump's trade war?

The report laid emphasis on US-India cooperation. India played an important role in Trump's trade war. The US will keep an eye on China's grey-zone tactics. TECH and defense tie-ups with India will increase. Will this report strengthen India in Trump 2.0? China's propaganda and manipulation on the border continue. The US Commission report exposed everything. India is alert, but is this a sign of a new cold war?