Beijing: The Chinese military on Monday denied reports that it supplied arms to Pakistan amid the military confrontation between India and Pakistan last week. The People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAF) called reports of its Xi'an Y-20 military transport aircraft taking supplies to Pakistan was a "rumour" and warned legal action against those spreading such rumours.

The PLAF also posted several screenshots of photos and words that shared the incorrect information, with each stamped with the red word "rumour".

"The internet is not beyond the law! Those who produce and spread military-related rumours will be held legally responsible!" the report added.

The denial by the PLA was regarded as significant, coming two days after an understanding between India and Pakistan to stop all firings and military actions and Islamabad's requirement for immediate replenishments.

According to Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), China is the largest weapons supplier to Pakistan, accounting for 81 per cent of arms procurement of China’s all-weather ally from 2020 to 2024. The procurement included the latest jet fighters, radars, naval ships, submarines and missiles.

Both countries jointly manufacture J-17 aircraft, the mainstay of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF).

Considering the all-weather relationship between the two countries, and Beijing's silence on Pakistan’s use of terror as policy during the last few days, regurgitating some of Pakistan’s claims, including the downing of planes.

India launched 'Operation Sindoor' on May 7 to destroy nine terror infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 civilians dead.

This was followed by major strikes on several Pakistan airbases a day later, virtually weakening Pakistan’s ability to retaliate as India's air defence missile systems successfully thwarted a series of attempts made by Pakistan to breach Indian airspace with swarm drone and missile attacks.

On the diplomatic front, China said it will play a constructive role to bring about a ceasefire between India and Pakistan.

With inputs from PTI