Hello everyone! Today, I am Youlan, a travel enthusiast and a fan of current affairs!
Recently, some netizens asked me, why can China export J-10C fighter jets to Pakistan but not to North Korea, which is also a brotherly nation? The reasons are quite significant! This is a fascinating game of international politics and strategic interests!
North Korea’s GDP is less than that of a medium-sized city in China, while Pakistan is our staunch ally in South Asia. Can these two countries be treated the same?
Speaking of the J-10C, it is our domestic star fighter! Known as the “Eagle Striking the Sky,” it is an aerial powerhouse with performance that rivals Western counterparts.
In 2022, Pakistan successfully received its first batch of J-10C fighter jets, marking a significant breakthrough in China’s high-end fighter jet exports!
So what happened? In actual combat, Pakistan’s J-10C surprisingly outperformed India’s “Rafale” fighter jets, leaving the Indian Air Force dumbfounded!
Even more amusingly, Indian media tried to smear this as a rumor, only to be slapped in the face by the Pakistani military!
But why don’t we sell to North Korea?? Many people don’t understand.
The reason is actually quite simple!
First, United Nations sanctions! Since North Korea conducted its nuclear tests in 2006, the UN has passed a series of sanction resolutions.
As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China voted in favor and committed to compliance, which is a responsibility of a major power!
We can provide humanitarian aid to North Korea, but selling advanced fighter jets? The UN sanctions clearly say no!
Secondly, the economic capabilities are not on the same level!
North Korea’s economic strength is limited, making it difficult to afford the high costs of the J-10C and its supporting combat systems. It’s not as simple as buying a toy!
A J-10C is valued at about $50 million, and with training, maintenance, and spare parts, can North Korea really afford this?
Thirdly, the technical systems are incompatible!
North Korea’s air force mainly uses Soviet-style equipment, and suddenly introducing Chinese fighter jets would require a significant investment in retraining pilots and ground personnel.
The J-10C is a digital fighter that requires a complete combat system support, including radar, data links, electronic countermeasures, etc. North Korea simply lacks this foundation!
The key is the fundamental difference in the strategic relationship between the two countries!
Pakistan and China:
Pakistan is China’s “all-weather strategic cooperative partner,” and the relationship has been tested over decades without major disagreements!
Pakistan supports China’s core interests, firmly standing with China on issues such as Taiwan, Xinjiang, and Tibet!
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is a flagship project of the “Belt and Road Initiative,” deeply binding the economic interests of both sides!
And North Korea and China:
Although on the surface they are “interdependent neighbors,” North Korea’s nuclear tests and missile launches have repeatedly threatened regional stability!
North Korea is overly independent on many issues, and does not always respect China’s strategic concerns!
Historically, the relationship between China and North Korea has experienced many ups and downs, and the level of mutual trust is far less stable than that of China and Pakistan!
I just want to ask: As brotherly countries, can the quality be the same?
It’s like having two friends, one is a buddy of twenty years, and the other is a drinking buddy you met three days ago. Would you treat them the same when borrowing money?
In the words of netizens: Pakistan is a true brother, tested through trials; while North Korea, although geographically close, can sometimes be a real headache!
In conclusion:
International relations are never based on emotions, but rather on rational choices based on national interests and strategic considerations.
History has proven, that only mutually beneficial cooperation can last, and one-sided contributions will ultimately lead to a lose-lose outcome!
I am the traveler Youlan, seeing the world, and understanding the secrets behind international games!
Today, just chatting casually, if you find it interesting, please follow me~ In the next issue, we will talk about the new trends in China’s arms exports, including how drones are changing the modern battlefield! #China #Pakistan #NorthKorea