Reports have emerged suggesting that China could supply Iran with weapons systems during a ceasefire with the United States. However, Beijing has firmly denied any involvement in arms transfers to parties in the Middle East conflict.
US intelligence indicates that China may provide Iran with new air defence systems in the coming weeks. This comes despite a fragile ceasefire remaining in place between Washington and Tehran, according to a CNN report citing sources familiar with recent assessments.
Reported weapons shipments and China’s response
The report claims Iran may be using the ceasefire period to replenish military equipment with help from international partners. It also suggests that China could attempt to route any shipments through third countries to avoid detection.
The systems in question are shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missiles, known as MANPADS. These weapons were reported to pose a significant risk to low-flying US military aircraft during recent fighting.
In response, a spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Washington rejected the allegations. They stated that China has not supplied weapons to any side in the conflict. They also said the claims were untrue and urged against what they described as baseless accusations.
Ceasefire situation and conflict background
A two-week ceasefire began on Wednesday after weeks of fighting that started on 28 February, when the US and Israel launched military action against Iran. The conflict reportedly resulted in nearly 3,000 Iranian deaths, according to Iranian authorities.
It also left at least 13 US service members dead and several others injured. In addition, the fighting disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil route.
