Washington-Web Desk : US intelligence sources have claimed that China is preparing to supply new air defense systems to Iran in the coming weeks, according to a report by CNN citing unnamed officials.
The report said Beijing is allegedly working on delivering the equipment through third countries. The systems reportedly include shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missile units designed to strengthen Iran’s short-range air defense capabilities.
The alleged development comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East and ongoing diplomatic efforts involving Iran and the United States.
China has strongly rejected the claims. The Chinese Embassy in Washington said Beijing has “never provided weapons to any party involved in conflict” and dismissed the report as inaccurate.
The embassy further stated that China, as a responsible major power, strictly fulfills its international obligations and opposes what it called “baseless accusations and political manipulation.”
It urged the United States to avoid spreading misinformation and called on all parties to take steps to reduce regional tensions.
Neither US nor Chinese officials provided additional evidence publicly supporting or refuting the intelligence assessment at the time of reporting.
