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World
A US intelligence report reveals Chinese firms discussed sending weapons to Iran via a third country to conceal the shipments' origin.
A newly published US intelligence report details discussions among Chinese companies about funneling weapons to Iran through an intermediary nation to disguise the source of the cargo, the New York Times reported. The disclosure lands just hours after President Donald Trump arrived in Beijing for a state visit, thrusting the Iran file to the top of the diplomatic agenda.
The revelation is expected to intensify pressure on Trump to urge his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, to halt Beijing's backing for Tehran, which appears to be rearming during a fragile ceasefire with the United States and Israel.
Earlier reports from April, according to the newspaper, indicated that China had already sent shoulder-fired MANPADS surface-to-air missiles to Tehran—weapons capable of destroying aircraft and drones. Additionally, Iran acquired a Chinese spy satellite in late 2024, which it used to locate and target US military positions across the Middle East.
American officials stated they do not believe the Chinese government formally approved the arms sales to Tehran, though they dismissed the possibility that such shipments occurred without the knowledge of senior figures in Beijing.
The Trump administration has sent mixed signals regarding whether it will engage with the Chinese president to cut off support for Iran and weaken the regime. US officials had earlier anticipated that Trump would press his Chinese counterpart to halt the arms sales, but the president's recent remarks have cast doubt on that strategy.
I don't think we need any help with Iran. We will ultimately win.
Trump added that the talks would instead focus on trade, signaling a shift in priorities for the visit's agenda.
