China's 'Fake News' Campaign Exposed: US Report Reveals Beijing's Rafale Sabotage Efforts

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A recent US report has shed light on China's alleged 'disinformation campaign' against French Rafale jets, which it claims was initiated after the India-Pakistan military conflict in May. According to the report, China used fake social media accounts to spread AI-generated images of supposed debris from the planes, which were allegedly destroyed by Chinese weaponry. The report, released by the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission, suggests that China's aim was to hinder the sales of Rafale jets in favor of its own J-35s. The move came as China attempted to bolster its own weapon sales by showcasing its successes during the India-Pakistan conflict. China's efforts were reportedly successful, as Indonesia paused its sale of Rafale jets, giving China a foothold in other regional military procurements. The report also notes that China and Pakistan had conducted counterterrorism drills in February 2025, just months before the conflict. The report has sparked a reaction from the BJP, which has questioned who amplified China's narrative and demanded 'numbers' on jets lost during the conflict. The party's leader, Amit Malviya, pointed out that the Indian Air Force had stated that all its assets were intact and that sharing operational details mid-conflict would jeopardize national security. The US report highlights China's efforts to undermine the sales of French Rafale jets and promote its own J-35s in the region. As tensions between India and China continue to rise, the report's findings are likely to be closely watched by regional players and the international community.