China Denies Supplying Iran with Military Intelligence

On Monday, the Chinese foreign ministry, represented by spokesperson Guo Jiakun, rejected reports from the Wall Street Journal claiming that Chinese entities supplied Iran with satellite images of the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan prior to an Iranian missile strike on July 17, which resulted in the deaths of three American soldiers. Guo Jiakun described the allegations as "groundless" and emphasized China's opposition to unfounded accusations.

The reports cited unnamed American officials but did not identify the Chinese entities involved or imply direct responsibility from Beijing. President Donald Trump commented on the situation, suggesting that espionage is a common practice between the US and China, and he sought to downplay the implications of the reports ahead of a planned visit by Chinese leader Xi Jinping to the White House on September 24.

Trump also reiterated warnings against Chinese arms sales to Iran and noted that the US had previously sanctioned three China-based satellite companies for their involvement in Iran's military operations.