"Chinese Companies Discuss Supplying Weapons to Iran via Third Country"

U.S. Officials Obtain Intelligence on Weapons Support
Calls Grow to Raise Issue at Summit

The New York Times (NYT) reported on the 13th (local time) that U.S. authorities have obtained information suggesting that Chinese companies may have supplied weapons to Iran via a third country.

However, NYT stated that even among officials who have obtained this information, there are differing opinions on whether the weapons have already been sent to a third country. While one of the third countries mentioned is an African nation, it appears that it has not been confirmed whether the weapons actually arrived. The officials do not believe that the Chinese government officially approved military aid to Iran, but they also assessed that it is unlikely such discussions between Chinese companies and Iran took place without the Chinese government's awareness.

U.S. President Donald Trump. Photo by AFP News Agency

Currently, it is known that there have been no cases of Chinese-made weapons being used against U.S. or Israeli forces on the battlefield.

Last month, NYT reported that U.S. intelligence agencies had obtained information indicating that China may have transferred man-portable air-defense systems (MANPADS) to Iran. Intelligence authorities have also identified indications that China is considering supplying additional weapons.

China is a major purchaser of Iranian crude oil, which is subject to U.S. sanctions. Since the outbreak of the war, China has provided information to Iran and has also granted access to reconnaissance satellites that can track the locations of U.S. forces in the Middle East. In addition, China has supplied dual-use components such as semiconductors, sensors, and voltage converters necessary for Iran to produce weapons like drones and missiles.

In this context, the NYT pointed out that providing finished weapons and supplying dual-use components are separate issues, and that sending weapons through third countries shows China's intent to keep its support for Iran secret.

However, NYT assessed that U.S. President Donald Trump is unlikely to raise this issue during the summit with China starting on the 14th. He is expected to focus on resetting relations with Chinese President Xi Jinping during this visit. The day before, he said he plans to have an extended conversation with President Xi regarding the Iran issue, and noted that President Xi has "handled the Iran issue relatively well."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.