Chinese technology is increasingly being integrated into terrorist activities across Gaza, Iran, Kashmir, and Yemen as part of a sophisticated, state-supported, proxy warfare strategy, according to a report quoted on Monday.
In the article in The Times of Israel, Italian journalist and geopolitical analyst Sergio Restelli noted that the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) reported in 2025 that "Chinese dual-use components had been found in Houthi missiles and drones (UAVs)" showing that Chinese companies had supported the provision of technology to transnational, non-state armed groups.
Restelli further argued that this technology-utilization strategy has also established a stronghold in the militancy in Jammu and Kashmir. In the case of Jammu & Kashmir, the China - Pakistan partnership has surpassed weapons transfers, to systematically provide advanced digital and high-tech tools to terrorist groups, thus transforming the nature of cross-border militancy.
"China's digital footprint extends throughout Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and across the Line of Control. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor has facilitated the installation of telecom towers managed by China Mobile Pakistan (Zong), providing digital coverage that penetrates Indian-administered districts like Kupwara, Rajouri, and Uri," Restelli wrote in The Times of Israel.
The 2025 report provided by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) shows that China was the source of 81 percent of Pakistan’s total arms imports between 2019 and 2023, worth approximately $5.28 billion. The shipments contained dual-use equipment such as encrypted satellite phones and advanced communication systems providing militant groups military-grade capabilities in operations.
"Complementing this are Chinese radar systems such as the JY and HGR series, offering real-time situational awareness. Despite bans, Chinese communication apps like WeChat and IMO remain popular tools among militants, while the Tiantong-1 satellite network operated by China Telecom ensures uninterrupted communication even in Kashmir’s most rugged terrain," Restelli mentioned.
Restelli points out that the encrypted “Ultra Set" communication system from China - which was originally developed for the Pakistan Armed Forces - does not operate on normal GSM networks and uses Chinese satellites, and data is routed through Pakistani control centers.
"The vulnerability of this network was exposed during Operation Mahadev, where Indian forces tracked terrorists via signals from a Chinese satellite phone, resulting in the elimination of key Lashkar-e-Taiba operatives behind recent attacks," the Italian expert stated.
To address this increasing threat, Restelli recommends that India rapidly create its own secure communication systems and enhance cyber intelligence and signal interception in sensitive border zones.
"Diplomatic efforts must intensify to hold China accountable in multilateral forums for its role in enabling cross-border terrorism through technology exports," he wrote in the leading Israeli publication.
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