Symbolic outrage won’t stop terrorism. Turkey’s support for Pakistan is troubling, but China arms and shields Pakistan at a far greater scale—militarily, diplomatically, and economically.
BY PC Bureau
In the aftermath of Operation Sindoor and the recent escalation along the Line of Control, public sentiment in India has turned sharply against Turkey. Calls to boycott Turkish products have surged, fueled by President Erdoğan’s vocal support for Pakistan, particularly on the Kashmir issue. The anger isn’t without basis—Turkey has actively supported Pakistan diplomatically and its drones were reportedly used in recent attacks against Indian military targets. However, while it’s easy to point fingers at Ankara, one can’t help but ask: why isn’t China—Pakistan’s main arms supplier and diplomatic shield—facing similar backlash?
According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), China supplies over 81% of Pakistan’s total arms imports, including advanced platforms like the J-10C fighter jets, VT-4 tanks, frigates, and Wing Loong drones. These weapons aren’t ceremonial—they are the sharp end of the spear pointed at India. Not only did Pakistan use Turkish drones in its post-Sindoor retaliation attempt, but Chinese J-10 fighter jets and missile systems were also reportedly deployed during that same confrontation.
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And China’s support for Pakistan isn’t just military—it’s deeply diplomatic and economic. Beijing has repeatedly backed Islamabad at the United Nations, even pushing to dilute resolutions condemning terror attacks like the one in Pahalgam, and has also defended Pakistan’s “sovereignty” in aggressive public statements. At the IMF, China played a significant role in helping Pakistan secure bailout packages, despite global concerns over financial transparency and terror financing.
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Effective immediately, security clearance for Çelebi Airport Services India, A Turkish co. has been revoked by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS).
Stops there operations at these airports:
Mumbai
Delhi
Kochi
Kannur
Bengaluru
Hyderabad
Ahmedabad
Chennai
Goa (Mopa)— Piyush Bansal (@piyushbansal) May 15, 2025
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In contrast, Turkey’s military support for Pakistan remains limited in scope. Yes, the use of Turkish drones to target Indian sites is alarming and deserves a firm response. But to single out Turkey while ignoring China’s far larger, deeper, and more dangerous role in emboldening Pakistan presents a troubling inconsistency in our national discourse.
So why this selective outrage?
The answer lies in economic convenience and geopolitical discomfort. Boycotting Turkey is symbolic, manageable, and politically easy. Our trade volume with Turkey is relatively modest. But China is another matter entirely. It dominates Indian markets with everything from smartphones and electronics to industrial components and critical infrastructure. Calling for a Chinese boycott would mean confronting difficult questions about self-reliance, economic decoupling, and national will—questions we’ve long avoided.
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If India is serious about countering the forces that arm and shield Pakistan, it must acknowledge the elephant in the room. China is not a silent bystander—it is the backbone of Pakistan’s military machine and a loud advocate in global forums. Anger at Turkey may be justified, but it should not become a smokescreen that lets Beijing off the hook.
As a country striving for strategic clarity and self-respect, we can no longer afford to confuse symbolism with substance. If arming Pakistan is the line we won’t tolerate, then China is not just complicit—it’s central. And we must respond accordingly—not just with outrage, but with policy, preparedness, and a unified national will.
