China-Pak's JF-17 Duet: Cheap Jets Mask Global Power Play

• China and Pakistan are collaborating to aggressively market the JF-17 Thunder Block III, with Pakistan acting as a proxy to sell Chinese-dominated jets globally.
• The low price of JF-17s ($25-30M vs F-16's $60-80M) is used to lure developing countries, raising fears of a new Chinese "debt trap" through high maintenance costs.
• This strategy aims to expand China's military influence, establish bases in the Middle East and Africa, and challenge US dominance in the global defense market.
• The deal, including a $4.6 billion agreement with Azerbaijan, raises security concerns for India due to enhanced regional military capabilities and advanced missile integration (PL-15).
• Experts question the JF-17's combat capabilities against jets like Rafale, calling Pakistan's claims propaganda, while China's "no political strings" policy fuels global arms races and instability.

Why It Matters: China uses Pakistan to push cheap JF-17s, expanding military influence and creating debt traps.