Beijing has rejected as “groundless” reports that Chinese entities supplied Iran with satellite images of a US military base in Jordan before and after an Iranian missile strike that killed three American soldiers.
The report, published by the Wall Street Journal, relates to Iranian missile strikes on the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan on July 17.
Key Highlights
- China denies reports that its entities supplied Iran with satellite images of a US base in Jordan.
- The Wall Street Journal cited unnamed US officials in its report.
- Donald Trump played down the allegations, saying China and the US engage in intelligence gathering.
- Washington previously sanctioned three China-based satellite companies over alleged support for Iran’s military operations.
- The dispute comes ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s planned visit to the White House on September 24.
China Demands Evidence
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun dismissed the reports during a regular press briefing on Monday.
“We firmly oppose groundless suspicion and accusations without evidence,” Guo said.
According to the Wall Street Journal, unnamed American officials did not identify the Chinese entities allegedly involved in the transfer of satellite imagery and did not directly accuse the Chinese government of being responsible.
The report also said Chinese officials demanded evidence of the alleged transfer when questioned by US officials and declined to acknowledge that Chinese companies had supplied Tehran with satellite images.
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Trump Downplays China-Iran Satellite Report
US President Donald Trump sought to play down the report, despite the potential implications for relations between Washington and Beijing.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday, Trump acknowledged that both countries engage in intelligence gathering.
“You know, when they say that China spies on us, I say you’re right, and we spy on them too,” Trump said.
“That’s what we do. They basically do what we do,” he added.
The report comes as Washington and Beijing seek to manage tensions ahead of a planned visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to the White House on September 24.
US-China Tensions Over Iran
Trump has previously warned Beijing against selling weapons to Iran.
In May, the United States sanctioned three China-based satellite companies over allegations that they enabled Iran’s military operations.
China remains a major economic partner of Iran and is a significant buyer of Iranian oil. Beijing has also maintained diplomatic ties with Tehran.
Despite the latest dispute, Trump said Xi had acted reasonably in their dealings.
“He’s behaved reasonably well, and we behave reasonably well,” Trump said.
The US president was also asked whether he would permit Chinese-made cars to be sold in the United States.
“I haven’t. I’m the one that kept them out. The tariffs kept them out,” Trump responded.
The latest dispute highlights the complex relationship between the United States, China and Iran as Washington continues to scrutinise Beijing’s economic and technological ties with Tehran. Further reporting on the story is available from the Wall Street Journal. For more updates, follow us on X.
