China is spreading falsehoods in several countries to defame the Rafale fighter jet, according to a French intelligence report. The report claims that China used its embassies to spread misinformation aimed at damaging the reputation and sales of Rafale jets.
Officials from the French Defence Ministry and intelligence agencies have asserted that China tried to question the credibility of Rafale through its embassies and social media platforms. This included fake videos, manipulated images, and AI-generated content.
Claim in French Intelligence Report
According to the French intelligence report, China launched this campaign specifically to impact Rafale’s sales. The goal was to influence countries that had already placed orders for the aircraft. This campaign began after the aerial conflict between India and Pakistan, in which Pakistan claimed it had shot down five Indian Air Force jets using its Chinese-made J-10C fighter aircraft and PL-15 missiles—three of which were allegedly Rafales.
Advising Against Rafale Purchases!
The report also mentions that China has been encouraging potential buyers not to purchase Rafale jets and instead opt for Chinese-made aircraft. A French official stated that Pakistan and its ally China are running a coordinated campaign and spreading misinformation online against Rafale. It is part of a well-planned disinformation strategy.
China Dismisses French Report as False
The French report claims that Chinese defense attachés reiterated these claims during meetings with defense and security officials of other nations, arguing that the performance of Indian Air Force's Rafales was subpar. Chinese officials also exaggerated the capabilities of their own weapons. Meanwhile, China has rejected the claims made in the French report, with its Ministry of Defense stating that these allegations are baseless and intended only to tarnish China’s image.
