China's on the fence about transferring newer Chinese tech like the J-35 to Pakistan because the F-16 remains the backbone of the PAF [0] and American military personnel remain deployed in Pakistan to maintain the fleet.

Also, the current dictator in charge of Pakistan leans pro-America after the US allegedly helped overthrow Imran Khan [1][2].

And this is what makes it so difficult for China - opposing the IRGC makes it easier for Pakistan, Cambodia, Laos, and others to justify enhancing engagement with the US at the expense of China while supporting the IRGC means dealing with the extended logistical shock while backing an organization that views both Western and Chinese investors negatively and undermining long-term engagement with the GCC.

[0] - https://thediplomat.com/2026/07/why-china-will-not-sell-5th-...

[1] - https://www.dropsitenews.com/p/pakistan-mediator-united-stat...

[2] - https://ia601601.us.archive.org/11/items/cypher-pakistan-i-0...