From pushing in small arms over a decade ago in Kashmir, the Sino-Pakistan defence partnership has morphed into a considerable military alliance in the last few years. Last week’s military exchanges between the two arch-rivals offered glimpses of this friendship between two `iron clad’ allies.

Increasing Western military support to India, and China’s to Pakistan, signals a shift in global alignments — and another potential flashpoint for international tensions.

Pakistan fought this battle with Chinese weapons. The Indian Army has also given evidence of attacks on India with China-made JF-17 fighter jets and PL-15 missiles.