The recent escalation between India and Pakistan has once again raised concerns about regional stability in South Asia. Although a ceasefire has now taken hold, and both governments appear committed to de-escalating tensions, a troubling trend has emerged within Indian media and some Western outlets: the growing campaign to implicate China in the latest round of India-Pakistan clashes. These unsubstantiated allegations risk not only misleading public opinion but also inflaming tensions in a volatile region where stability is already precarious.

A particularly egregious example comes from a New Delhi-based think tank, the Center for Joint Warfare Studies, which alleged that China had provided air defense and satellite support to Pakistan during the recent skirmishes. This claim was quickly amplified by several Indian media outlets and further sensationalized by some Western commentators. They went so far as to accuse China of “shielding terrorism” and being part of an imagined anti-India axis. However, this narrative, devoid of evidence, does more to reflect domestic anxieties within India than it does to illuminate the realities on the ground.

It’s important to note that the Indian government itself has officially debunked such rumors. A particularly viral piece of misinformation claimed that External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar acknowledged Chinese satellite support for Pakistan. The Indian government dismissed this as fake news, urging the public to be cautious and not fall for fabricated narratives. This public statement directly contradicts the media hysteria, highlighting the growing disconnect between state policy and sensational media portrayals.

Meanwhile, China has maintained a consistent position of neutrality and restraint regarding the India-Pakistan conflict. Since tensions erupted, Beijing has repeatedly called on both sides to avoid escalation and resolve disputes through dialogue. Far from taking sides, China has engaged diplomatically with both New Delhi and Islamabad, aiming to reduce friction and avoid a broader regional crisis. This diplomatic approach underscores China’s long-standing principle of promoting regional peace through dialogue and mutual respect.

Yet, some Indian media houses continue to beat the drums of fear and conspiracy, creating a narrative that falsely paints China as a covert participant in the conflict. This is not only misleading but dangerously irresponsible. China’s position on terrorism, for instance, is unequivocal: it strongly opposes all forms of terrorism and has consistently worked with the international community to combat it. Accusations that China is “shielding” terrorism are not only groundless but also contradict its record in multilateral counter-terrorism efforts.

The claim that Pakistan’s use of Chinese weapons implies active Chinese support in the conflict is equally flawed. India itself imports military equipment from a diverse range of countries, including the United States, Russia, and France. Would anyone claim that these nations are aiding India in its military disputes? Of course not. Military sales do not equate to military involvement. To suggest otherwise is to abandon logical reasoning in favor of convenient scapegoating.

Let us entertain, for the sake of argument, the hypothetical claim that China was militarily involved. If this were the case, the battlefield dynamics would have been significantly different. China’s military capabilities are formidable, and any tangible involvement would not go unnoticed. The absence of such evidence points to the hollowness of these accusations and reveals them for what they are: attempts to create an external enemy to distract from internal challenges.

More broadly, these false narratives reflect deeper anxieties in India regarding China-Pakistan cooperation. The longstanding strategic partnership between China and Pakistan has often been viewed with suspicion by some factions in India, particularly in light of China’s Belt and Road Initiative and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). However, turning this strategic relationship into a fabricated axis of hostility against India only serves to cloud rational analysis and diminish diplomatic avenues for conflict resolution.

This is not the first time that media sensationalism has interfered with rational discourse on India-China-Pakistan relations. Historically, tensions between India and Pakistan have flared over the disputed Kashmir region, leading to multiple wars and recurring skirmishes. China has maintained a neutral stance and has even acted as a stabilizing force. According to research by Hannah Haegeland of the Stimson Center, China has played a quiet but consistent role in mediating between India and Pakistan during periods of heightened tension. Its interests in promoting regional stability are not just altruistic but also rooted in its own security and economic priorities.

China’s efforts at fostering regional dialogue are evident in its support for forums like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, which includes both India and Pakistan. By promoting dialogue within multilateral platforms, China has attempted to create frameworks for peaceful dispute resolution. Furthermore, in international forums such as the United Nations, Beijing has consistently advocated for peaceful negotiation over confrontation.

At the heart of the India-Pakistan conflict lies the unresolved issue of Kashmir. As long as this core dispute remains unaddressed, temporary ceasefires will be little more than pauses between cycles of violence. It is in this context that sensational media narratives become especially dangerous. They distract from the pressing need for genuine political dialogue and instead fuel nationalist fervor and public mistrust.

India and Pakistan are neighbors bound by geography, history, and culture. They cannot wish each other away. Likewise, China, as a neighbor to both, has an inherent interest in ensuring regional peace and prosperity. Dragging China into the India-Pakistan conflict, without basis, only undermines diplomatic initiatives and increases the risk of unintended escalation.

In the long term, such media-driven narratives are not just harmful to China’s image-they are detrimental to India’s own strategic interests. Manufacturing an external enemy can rally short-term public support, but it does not resolve the structural causes of conflict. Instead, it risks isolating India diplomatically, reducing trust among regional partners, and narrowing the path to sustainable peace.

Therefore, it is essential that Indian media and think tanks reflect critically on their role in shaping public discourse. Sensationalism might garner headlines, but it does not serve the cause of truth, peace, or national interest. The responsible path forward lies in fact-based reporting, respectful diplomacy, and a willingness to engage with complex issues without resorting to scapegoating.

China remains committed to fostering a peaceful regional environment and calls on all stakeholders-especially media and policy influencers-to contribute constructively to this goal. Mutual respect, restraint, and dialogue must guide the next chapter of India-Pakistan relations. To achieve lasting peace, the focus must return to the real issues at hand-not imagined enemies.

Please follow Blitz on Google News Channel