China Offers J-10C Fighter Jets to Colombia After BRI Deal

In a strategic development, China is reportedly offering its J-10C fighter jets to Colombia just days after the South American country officially joined the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). This move comes on the heels of the J-10C’s notable combat performance during a recent military escalation between India and Pakistan, which highlighted China’s growing military presence on the global stage.

Colombia Becomes 23rd Latin American Country to Join BRI

During President Gustavo Petro’s recent visit to Beijing, Colombia became the 23rd Latin American nation to join the China-led Belt and Road Initiative. The agreement signals stronger diplomatic and economic ties between Bogotá and Beijing. Now, reports suggest that China is looking to expand those ties into the defense sector by offering Colombia its tested and modern J-10C multirole combat aircraft.

J-10C Gained Fame in South Asian Escalation

The J-10C gained global recognition during its first combat deployment with Pakistan in its recent border clash with India. According to Pakistani defense sources, the Chinese-made jets played a crucial role in shooting down multiple Indian aircraft, including the advanced French-made Rafale fighters. These claims, although not independently verified, have brought the capabilities of the J-10C and its long-range PL-15E missiles into the spotlight.

The successful use of the J-10C reportedly led to a surge in the stock prices of Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC), the Chinese manufacturer behind the fighter jet.

A Strategic Military Move in Latin America?

While no official confirmation has come from either China or Colombia regarding the fighter jet offer, defense analysts note that such a deal would mark a significant shift in Latin America’s military landscape. If finalized, the acquisition of J-10C jets could indicate Colombia’s growing military cooperation with China, signaling Beijing’s broader ambition to establish a stronger military footprint in regions beyond Asia.

Global Implications of China’s Military Expansion

Analysts also caution that the reported success of the J-10C in the India-Pakistan conflict requires further verification due to limited available data and the short duration of the clash. Nevertheless, the potential deal with Colombia emphasizes China’s strategy of using military exports to bolster its global influence, especially in regions already tied to the BRI.

China’s reported offer of J-10C fighter jets to Colombia marks a new chapter in Beijing’s expanding global influence, not just economically through the Belt and Road Initiative but also militarily. The J-10C’s performance in South Asia and its growing international interest position it as a key tool in China’s geopolitical outreach.