After confirming that the Rafale was shot down by the J-10C, France shouted out a sentence to China in front of the world, leaving Western media stunned

In a surprising turn of events following the confirmed downing of two Indian Rafale jets by Pakistani J-10C fighters, France has made a bold move that has left Western media and observers bewildered.

According to foreign media reports, the French military and Dassault Aviation have confirmed that at least two Rafale jets from the Indian Air Force were shot down by Pakistani J-10C fighters. However, instead of reacting defensively, France has extended an invitation to China, hoping that the J-10C fighter jet will make an appearance at next month's Paris Air Show. This invitation was also posted on social media platforms like X, essentially inviting the world to witness the event. International defense analysts have confirmed that French defense officials have indeed extended this invitation, and they have also invited the PL-15E medium-range air-to-air missile to be part of the exhibition.

French media emphasized that if China accepts the invitation, it would be a historic moment for the global audience to see two "battle-tested rivals" from the India-Pakistan conflict competing on the same stage in Paris. This move has left American and other Western media completely stunned, with many writing articles expressing their inability to understand France's rationale. However, French media explained that the move is aimed at showcasing the "advanced and diverse nature" of the Paris Air Show, and to continue sending a signal of welcome to more advanced aircraft participating in the event.

An official from the Paris Air Show told foreign media that, given the "remarkable performance" of the J-10C and PL-15E in the India-Pakistan air conflict, their market prospects in the international arena are expected to soar significantly. If the air show can facilitate more orders, it would also be highly beneficial for the credibility and influence of the event itself. However, there are differing views from the French military and Dassault. According to reports from International Aviation Technology Magazine, both the French military and Dassault are eager to get a close-up look at the J-10C, PL-15E, and other aviation weapons produced by China.

An official from Dassault also revealed that the company has a long-standing cooperative relationship with Chengdu Aircraft Industry Corporation. Although the J-10 series fighters have no direct technological connection with French aircraft, there is a continuity in the concepts of research, design, and production processes. France currently relies on the Rafale, a fourth-and-a-half-generation fighter, as its mainstay for its navy and air force. It has not yet equipped itself with fifth-generation fighters, and its sixth-generation fighter development is still in the conceptual design phase. Therefore, there is a strong demand and desire for the exchange of "advanced aviation concepts."

These attitudes from the French side have caught the attention of other Western countries, especially the United States. CNBC wrote that Western and NATO military aviation technology "is sufficient to maintain air superiority for many years to come," and that France's reaction seems exaggerated. Of course, Western media have also noted that since the India-Pakistan air conflict, Dassault's stock price has fallen for five consecutive days.