China runs AI disinformation campaign against Rafale after Operation Sindoor
A US Congress report found that China orchestrated a disinformation campaign using AI-generated images of destroyed Rafale fighter jets to undermine French aircraft sales and promote Chinese weaponry following India's Operation Sindoor strikes in May 2025. The campaign involved fake social media accounts and coordinated amplification by Chinese embassies and social media actors, with participation from Pakistani actors.
What happened
Following India's May 2025 strikes on Pakistani terrorist infrastructure under Operation Sindoor using Rafale fighter jets, China initiated a disinformation campaign relying on fake news, dubious social media handles and AI-generated images to discredit the Rafale aircraft.
The campaign used AI-generated images of supposed debris from Rafale planes allegedly destroyed by Chinese weaponry, shared through fake social media accounts and amplified by Chinese social media actors including TikTok videos and social media posts.
Reported impact
The campaign aimed to hinder international sales of French Rafale aircraft in favour of Chinese J-35s, with Chinese embassies worldwide tasked to promote the alleged success of Chinese weapon systems.
Analysis by France identified a clear pattern of misinformation that originated from Pakistan and was amplified by Chinese social media actors.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.