China Denies Rafale Smear, France Points Finger, Indonesia Silent

The mockup of the Rafale multirole jet fighter is displayed at the French pavilion during the Indo Defence 2025 Exhibition in Jakarta, Indonesia, on June 11, 2025.
The mockup of the Rafale multirole jet fighter is displayed at the French pavilion during the Indo Defence 2025 Exhibition in Jakarta, Indonesia, on June 11, 2025. (Photo by Aditya Irawan / NurPhoto via AFP)

China has forcefully denied allegations from France that it mounted a coordinated campaign to undermine and sabotage sales of France’s Rafale fighter jet, pushing back against claims made by French intelligence that Beijing used its embassies and online influence to steer countries like Indonesia toward Chinese-made alternatives such as the J-10C.

“The relevant claims are pure groundless rumors and slander. China has consistently maintained a prudent and responsible approach to military exports, playing a constructive role in regional and global peace and stability,” the Chinese Ministry of National Defense said in response to a request for comment.

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by Edwin Shri Bimo

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