Report: Pakistan Expanding China’s Defence Influence Across the Middle East

A new analytical report says Pakistan is playing an increasingly important role in expanding China’s defence influence across the Middle East by serving as both a major user and promoter of Chinese-made military equipment. According to the report, more than 80% of Pakistan’s arms imports between 2021 and 2024 came from China, making Chinese systems the backbone of Pakistan’s military inventory. The report also highlights the joint production of the JF-17 Thunder fighter jet as a key example of the growing defence partnership between Beijing and Islamabad. It says Pakistan is helping introduce and promote Chinese defence products—including drones, air defence systems and other military equipment—to countries across the region. The analysis adds that China is seeking to expand its defence industry through cooperation and potential agreements with several countries, including Iraq, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Libya, Morocco, Nigeria, Sudan and Ethiopia. It argues that working through Pakistan allows Beijing to broaden its defence footprint in these markets without taking a direct leading role. The report also notes that such defence partnerships extend beyond weapons sales, encompassing military training, maintenance, spare parts supply, technical support and long-term security cooperation, further strengthening China’s presence in partner countries. According to the analysis, Beijing is using its close defence relationship with Pakistan to advance its strategic interests and expand its defence industry amid shifting geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East.