I think they did this because even going in on radio silence won't hide the plane from China. China ≠ Taliban, they have their own intelligence gathering platforms.
In fact, going in hidden might have given China an out to shoot down the plane and claim it did not have its transponder on or it...
I think with this visit US has proven that China is more a regional power rather than a global player. 2022 will be known as a year where both Russia and China became regional powers.
Only one conclusion. It was a test gone wrong.
India testing Pakistan's air defences is a really silly theory, why?
Because giving Pakistan BrahMos's wreckage is insanity. It is their most high-tech weapon.
Remember when US Tomahawks fell in Pakistan and we reverse engineered them and built...
HQ-9 is a great option for Pakistan. The important question is which version does Pakistan have? The most advanced HQ-9 is more advanced than S-300p with an AESA radar but less than S-400. Whereas the most basic version is equal to S-300.
Also, in my opinion, HQ-9 should have been given to PAF...
Actually that was his plan but he did not account for the AWACs in the air which could see him clear as day and he ended up getting shot. As for an F-16 being shot down. LOL. No one believes it but Indians.
Anyone who was even slightly well-informed and educated could have told you that the world was going to be just fine on 01/01/00. You could have even just read any news article on it by any reputable newspaper.