The Sleeping Giant Awakens

A few historians claim that Napoleon Bonaparte once said, “China is a sleeping giant. Let her sleep, for when she wakes, she will move the world.” If true, the words were prophetic, as today’s China is shaking the world in ways unimaginable to many. China’s economic rise and its expanding diplomatic footprint—through initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)—have surprised both adversaries and allies alike. However, in 2025, China’s ascent is making headlines for a different reason: its unprecedented advancement in military technology and defence industry, a domain where the West has never before encountered such a formidable peer competitor.

On Chairman Mao’s birthday on December 26, 2024, China marked a significant milestone when its defence manufacturers came into the global spotlight. Images of a Chinese sixth-generation aircraft surfaced online, astonishing defence enthusiasts worldwide. The aircraft’s tailless, futuristic design flying through the skies showcased China’s technological prowess. Although details were limited, the demonstration reflected the trajectory of Chinese defence manufacturing.

The second major headline emerged when Pakistan’s armed forces—who source majority of their equipment from China—employed Chinese technologies in a war with India, which relies on both Western and Russian systems. The outcome was striking.

While credit goes to the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) for its leadership, training, and mastery of multi-domain operations (MDOs), it was also a moment of reckoning for Chinese defence technology. The J-10C fighter jet, equipped with PL-15 missiles, outperformed Western systems. PAF successfully shot down four Rafales, one Su-30, one MiG-29, and one Mirage 2000 using Chinese platforms. Additionally, Chinese systems such as the HQ-9BE destroyed Israeli-made Heron drones, CMK-400 hypersonic missiles mounted on Pak-China co-developed JF-17 Thunder neutralised India’s S-400 air defence systems, and SH-15 howitzers disrupted forward bases along the Line of Control (LoC) and the international border. While the glory of victory belonged to Pakistan, China reaped dividends in reputation, with its defence manufacturers gaining global recognition. Notably, AVIC Chengdu Aircraft Company, the maker of the J-10C, saw its stock rise to its highest level since October 2024.

The third moment of prominence came when China unveiled its state-of-the-art defence systems across all major domains of modern and future warfare during its victory day parade on Sep 3, 2025. In a spectacular display, systems related to airpower, aerospace, naval forces, land forces, strategic and nuclear capabilities, and emerging technologies were demonstrated. The world grappling with finding ways for practical application of emerging technologies in military hardware, saw a Chinese victory day parade in which they have already operationalised them. China have not developed isolated platforms; they have indigenously developed integrated architecture with their own ecosystems that operate in all domains. This profound transformation is nothing short of a miracle considering that China is now exporting military equipment’s with a share of 6 per cent in global arms trades, while imports are less than 2 per cent in the same domain, significantly less than 8 per cent of China’s imports in the early 2000s.

These developments raise a pertinent question: has the moment of truth finally arrived for its competitors? One cannot answer in a definitive manner but eyebrows are raised in many capitals, and China is now viewed through a different lens. Its assertive foreign policy in the South China Sea and its stance on Taiwan—despite sustained pressure from the US—now appear more comprehensible. With access to such advanced technology, China will increasingly be able to flex its muscles in even the most contested regions. The West will undoubtedly need to reassess its strategic posture in light of these developments.

However, the more profound shift may come from middle and smaller powers, whose foreign policies are likely to evolve. A viable alternative has emerged—one that allows these nations to pursue cooperation with China not only for economic benefit but also for defence procurement. For Pakistan, China’s rise has a domino effect, offering opportunities for growth and strategic leverage. Yet, the real challenge lies in emulating China’s model for a comprehensive overhaul of Pakistan’s economy and defence production. Air Chief Marshal Baber Sidhu’s vision, manifested in the development of the National Science and Technology Park (NASTP), is a step in the right direction.

Nonetheless, a national-level effort with a whole-of-government approach is essential to achieve the giant leap that Pakistan so urgently requires in defence production.