US officials say intelligence gathered by Washington indicates that Chinese companies and Iranian officials have discussed secret arms transfers to Iran, potentially routing the weapons through third countries to conceal the origin of the military aid, the New York Times reported.
According to the intelligence assessments, it remains unclear whether any weapons have actually been delivered or to what extent Chinese authorities approved the discussions. However, officials believe the talks were unlikely to have taken place without Beijing’s knowledge.
The revelations come as US President Donald Trump visits Beijing for high-level talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The issue is expected to add pressure on Trump to confront China over its support for Iran during meetings focused on broader geopolitical tensions.
Trump said before arriving in China that he intended to have a “long talk” with Xi about the Middle East conflict, adding that the Chinese leader had been “relatively good” on Iran.
US intelligence agencies previously reported that China may have transferred shoulder-fired missiles, known as MANPADS, to Iran. The weapons are capable of targeting low-flying aircraft. Officials also said China had considered additional military shipments.
American officials said at least one possible transit country for the covert transfers was located in Africa, though it remains unclear whether any shipment reached the destination.
So far, no Chinese-made weapons appear to have been used against US or Israeli forces during the ongoing conflict with Iran, which began in late February.
US officials also accused China of supplying Iran with intelligence support, satellite tracking information, and dual-use technology needed for drone and missile production. Beijing has similarly provided dual-use components to Russia during the war in Ukraine.
Trump previously said he wrote to Xi asking him not to permit arms transfers to Iran. According to Trump, Xi responded by saying China was “not doing that.”
China remains Iran’s biggest oil customer, buying roughly 80 percent of Tehran’s exported crude oil, often at discounted prices. The relationship has become increasingly important as instability around the Strait of Hormuz continues to disrupt global shipping.
Source: India Latest News, Breaking News Today, Top News Headlines | Times Now
