In the coming weeks, China is reportedly set to deliver new air defense systems to Iran, according to a report referencing US intelligence sources. This development comes at a time when China has recently played a significant role in facilitating a cease-fire agreement between Iran and the United States.
The anticipated delivery of these systems, described by CNN as “provocative,” is raising concerns given China’s involvement in the delicate cease-fire negotiations. Sources indicate that Beijing is planning to discreetly channel these shipments through third-party countries to obscure the transactions. The shipments are said to include MANPADs, or shoulder-fired anti-air missile systems, according to multiple US intelligence sources.
These weapons, which utilize heat-seeking technology to target an aircraft’s engine or exhaust, have already posed significant threats. During a recent five-week conflict, a MANPAD nearly struck a US F/A-18 Super Hornet. Adding to the tension, an F-15 fighter jet was downed over Iran last week. President Trump confirmed it was hit by a “handheld shoulder missile, [a] heat-seeking missile,” though the origin of the missile remains unclear.
Moreover, Chinese companies are reportedly continuing to sell technology to Iran that is under sanctions. This technology could potentially aid Iran in developing weaponry and enhancing its navigation systems, as alleged by the same intelligence sources.
The F-15 fighter jet that was shot down over Iran last week was targeted by a “handheld shoulder missile, [a] heat-seeking missile,” Trump said Monday, though it’s not clear whether it had been provided by China.
Chinese companies have also continued to sell sanctioned technology to Iran that would help the country build weapons and enhance its navigation systems, the sources alleged.
China, however, denied the claims, with a spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Washington telling CNN, “China has never provided weapons to any party to the conflict; the information in question is untrue.”
“As a responsible major country, China consistently fulfills its international obligations. We urge the U.S. side to refrain from making baseless allegations, maliciously drawing connections, and engaging in sensationalism; we hope that relevant parties will do more to help de-escalate tensions,” the spokesperson said.
The trade wouldn’t be the first time China was accused of supplying Iran with weapons in the recent war.
In February, Beijing was looking to sell CM-302 missiles, which have a range of about 180 miles and are capable of flying low and fast enough to evade a ship’s aerial defenses, though it’s not clear whether that deal went through.
President Trump is expected to visit China in early May for talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
