US intelligence reports that China is preparing to deliver air defense systems to Iran within weeks, using third countries to conceal the shipments, as tensions rise in the region.
US intelligence indicates China is preparing to deliver new air defense systems to Iran within the next few weeks, CNN reported late on Friday, citing three people familiar with recent intelligence assessments.
According to intelligence outlined in the CNN report, Beijing is preparing to transfer shoulder-fired anti-air missile systems known as MANPADs.
These systems pose an asymmetric threat to low-flying US military aircraft, as demonstrated during the five-week war, and they could continue to do so if the ceasefire breaks down.
Two sources informed CNN that there are signs Beijing is attempting to route shipments of the weaponry through third countries to conceal their true origin.
The report also highlighted how Iran might be using the ceasefire to replenish certain weapon systems with assistance from key foreign partners.
Tariffs as a war tactic
Earlier this week, US President Donald Trump announced that imports from countries supplying military weapons to Iran will face immediate 50% tariffs with no exemptions. This announcement came just hours after he agreed to a two-week ceasefire with Tehran.
In response to the CNN report, a spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Washington said, “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 US 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.”
Beijing recently also announced that it played a role in brokering a fragile ceasefire agreement that halted the war between Iran and the United States earlier this week.
Additionally, President Donald Trump is scheduled to visit China early next month for discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping.