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According to a CNN report, China is gearing up to supply Iran with advanced air defense systems in the coming weeks. This move follows a series of military and missile capability strikes on Iran by the U.S. and Israel over the past month.
The report, based on insights from three individuals with knowledge of recent U.S. intelligence, suggests that China might disguise the shipment’s origins by routing it through intermediary nations. Two of these insiders emphasized the possibility of such subterfuge.
Responding to inquiries from CNN about these intelligence findings, President Trump warned that if “China does that, China will have big problems, OK?” He did not clarify whether he had discussed the matter with Chinese President Xi Jinping, with whom he is slated to meet in early May.
This meeting, originally planned to address tariff issues after the Supreme Court invalidated the president’s tariffs, was rescheduled due to the ongoing tensions with Iran.
Sources informed CNN that Beijing plans to deliver Man-Portable Air-Defense Systems (MANPADS) to Iran. These shoulder-launched missile systems are designed to counter threats from low-flying aircraft.
A spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington told CNN that China has “never provided weapons to any party” involved in the conflict with Iran. They urged “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.”
Previous intelligence reports have indicated that China, along with Russia, has been supporting Iran with its presence and alliance with the Middle Eastern country.
Trump earlier this month referred to China, Japan and South Korea as countries that could send troops to the region to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
“Let South Korea, you know, we only have 45,000 soldiers in harm’s way over there, right next to a nuclear force — let South Korea do it,” Trump said at a Wednesday Easter luncheon prior to his address to the nation on April 1. “Let Japan do it. They get 90 percent of their oil from the strait. Let China do it.”