New Delhi: According to an exclusive report by CNN, China is preparing to deliver new air defense systems to Iran within the next few weeks. These claims come reported from US intelligence quoted by the news publication, according to three people familiar with recent intelligence assessments.
This would be a controversial move it would deter the already fragile ceasefire deal between Iran and the US. It comes at a time when US President Donald Trump is expected to visit China early next month for talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
Chinese to help Iran?
Two of the sources quoted by CNN said that there are indications that Beijing is working to route the shipments through third countries so as to not be directly framed culpable. The intelligence also reportedly underscores how Iran may be using the ceasefire as an opportunity to replenish certain weapons systems with the help of key foreign partners.
The systems Beijing is preparing to transfer are reportedly shoulder-fired anti-air missile systems known as MANPADs. The report said they posed an asymmetric threat to low-flying US military aircraft throughout the course of the five-week war and could again if the ceasefire falls apart.
Reactions come in
Asked by CNN on Saturday about the US intelligence and whether he has spoken to Xi about the issue, US President Donald Trump indicated that Beijing would face consequences if it sent weapons to Tehran. “If China does that, China will have big problems, OK?” he said as he left the White House for Florida.
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.” Further adding that, “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.”
Earlier this week, an embassy spokesperson also told CNN that since the US-Israel-Iran war began, Beijing had “been working to help bring about a ceasefire and end to the conflict.”