According to Reuters, a Chinese company plans to supply Iran with numerous portable anti-air missile systems. This development arises as Iran seeks to restore its air defenses, which were severely impacted by strikes conducted by the United States and Israel.
The report surfaces shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump asserted that Chinese leader Xi Jinping assured him that Chinese firms would abstain from arming Tehran. China, a staunch political ally of Iran, has repeatedly condemned the U.S.-Israeli strikes since their onset on February 28. Nonetheless, Beijing has minimized direct involvement in the conflict, opting for behind-the-scenes diplomacy. Reports, including those from Reuters, indicate that China has provided Iran with satellite imagery of U.S. military positions in the Gulf region.
Delivery Scheduled Soon
Iran and Zhongqing Baoshang International Investment have finalized a contract worth $60-70 million for the acquisition of 300-400 shoulder-fired man-portable air defense (MANPAD) systems. Reuters cited sources familiar with the transaction, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity involved. Hong Kong-based Zhongqing Baoshang International Investment is reportedly acting as an intermediary for the Chinese supplier. The cargo is expected to consist of Chinese-made FN-16 and QW-12 shoulder-mounted missile systems.
The parent company, Beijing-based Zhong Qing Bao Shang Group, did not respond immediately to Newsweek’s request for comments. Newsweek also reached out to the Chinese and Iranian foreign ministries for remarks.
As per the agreed plan, the weapons are slated to be flown initially from Urumqi in China’s Xinjiang region to Pakistan, followed by transportation to Iran. The sources did not specify whether the subsequent leg of the journey would be carried out by air or road. They mentioned that details such as exact quantities and delivery schedules remain subject to change.
China’s Foreign Ministry dismissed the report as “completely groundless,” according to Reuters, and Pakistan’s military public relations unit labeled it “absolutely concocted and false.” A White House official informed Newsweek, “As the president stated, nothing that any outside actor is doing to help Iran is in any way increasing their ability to target Americans.”
Trump’s Assurance from Xi
During Trump’s state visit to Beijing in May, Xi assured him that China would not, “under any circumstances,” supply weapons to Iran. Trump reiterated this pledge on Truth Social, noting that Russian President Vladimir Putin has also promised not to supply Tehran with weapons.
The United States recently paused its aerial campaign against Iran, allowing diplomatic efforts to gain ground after 13 days of strikes initiated in retaliation against Iranian attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and other U.S.-related targets across the Gulf. Following a ceasefire declared on April 8, both nations agreed, under a memorandum brokered by Pakistan in June, to pursue a lasting peace agreement spanning 60 days.
China-made weaponry, including the C-802 anti-ship cruise missile and its Iranian adaptations, has seen use by Iran and been distributed to its proxies, such as Yemen’s Houthis. Recently, these groups launched rockets at Saudi oil tankers amid a blockade in the Red Sea, protesting Saudi military actions in Yemen.
In February, shortly before the U.S. and Israel commenced their offensive, Reuters reported Iran was nearing an agreement to acquire China’s CM-302 supersonic anti-ship missile.
For further details, contact Newsweek editors John Feng and Sam Wilson.
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