Chinese nationalism surges across social media as viral video mocks downed Indian jets

A song adapted by a Chinese influencer mocking the reported downing of Indian fighter jets by Pakistan’s Chinese-made J-10C has gone viral on almost every major global social media platform, in a surge of Chinese nationalism and celebration of Chinese weaponry.

The song, a remix of the Indian song “Tunak Tunak Tun”, was released in a video by Chinese influencer “Brother Hao” on Thursday on Chinese social media.

“Our newly purchased jets were shot down … none returned home, 9 billion all wasted”, the new lyrics go.

The minute-long parody video, which has even gone viral overseas, has fuelled a new wave of nationalist fervour in China. Similar videos have appeared on Pakistani social media, while Indian social media users expressed anger.

The video is the latest celebration among Chinese netizens over the performance of the J-10C fighter jet in last week’s India-Pakistan conflict, although Beijing has remained cautious about commenting on the issue.

Pakistan claimed to have shot down French Rafale fighter jets operated by the Indian Air Force on Wednesday, using a Chinese-made J-10C aircraft. According to Reuters, at least one Rafale was shot down by a J-10C.

South China Morning Post