US EditionFrench intelligence: China used embassies to undermine sales of France’s flagship Rafale fighter jet
- French military and intelligence officials reported that China leveraged its diplomatic missions to cast suspicion on the capabilities of Rafale fighter jets following the May clashes between India and Pakistan.
- This campaign arose from Pakistan's claim to have downed several Indian aircraft, including three Rafales, which French authorities say was fabricated disinformation.
- Chinese defense attachés lobbied countries that had ordered or considered buying Rafales, promoting Chinese-made alternatives to undermine France's defense influence in Asia.
- Worldwide, a total of 533 Rafale jets have been purchased, with 42 acquired by Indonesia, which is now reportedly contemplating additional acquisitions despite ongoing disinformation efforts.
- France's Defense Ministry defended the Rafale's standing, underscoring its strategic importance and pointing out that the disinformation campaign is part of a wider struggle for influence and control over defense markets in the Asia-Pacific region.
26 Articles
26 Articles
Beijing disinformation targeted French Rafale jets to boost sales of China-made planes, intel says
French military and intelligence officials say China deployed its embassies to promote a disinformation campaign sowing doubts about the performance of Rafale jets during the India-Pakistan military clashes in May. It was aimed at undermining sales of the French-made fighter planes while promoting Chinese-made military hardware.
French intel exposes China's disinformation campaign to undermine Rafale sales through diplomatic channels
A French intelligence report reveals China's covert campaign to spread false claims about Rafale jets' performance during the India-Pakistan conflict, aiming to undermine sales and promote Chinese aircraft.
After India-Pakistan clashes, China spread disinformation about Rafale jets, French intel says
French and Indian military officials have reviewed the outcome of the May closely, especially focusing on how Pakistan’s Chinese-supplied aircraft and missiles fared against India’s use of Rafales
China used embassies to undermine sales of France's flagship Rafale fighter jet: French intelligence
France's defence ministry said the Rafale was targeted by 'a vast campaign of disinformation' that 'sought to promote the superiority of alternative equipment, notably of Chinese design'
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Bias Distribution
- 45% of the sources are Center
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