China Prepares To Ship MANPADS Air Defense Systems To Iran, US Intelligence Reveals

US intelligence agencies have assessed that China is preparing to deliver new air defense systems to Iran within the next few weeks.

“Top Daily News Politics World Society Economy Culture Health Report Arts Sports Technology Author Mother-tongue Language Education Literature Editorial Protests AZ RU EN Azeri Persian Reuters: China is sending new air defense systems to Iran Daily News Front Page | 12 Point | 14 Point | 16 Point | 18 Point According to U”

Axar.Az

CNN reported the intelligence, citing three people familiar with the assessments.

Axar.Az

There are indications Beijing is working to route the shipments through third countries to mask their origin.

The systems in question are shoulder-fired anti-air missile systems known as MANPADS.

The Chinese embassy in Washington denied the claims, calling them untrue and malicious fabrications.

One source told CNN that China sees no real strategic value in overtly entering the conflict.

China is preparing to transfer shoulder-fired missile systems known as MANPADS.

President Trump said the F-15 fighter jet shot down over Iran was hit by a shoulder-fired missile.

CNN

Chinese companies have continued to supply Iran with dual-use technologies subject to sanctions.

Direct transfer of weapon systems by the Chinese government would represent a new level of support.

The White House said high-level talks occurred between the US and China concurrent with ceasefire negotiations.

China does not see real strategic value in publicly getting involved in the conflict.

“US intelligence indicates that China is preparing to deliver new air defense systems to Iran within the next few weeks, according to three people familiar with recent intelligence assessments”

CNN

Beijing seeks a stance that preserves its friendship with Iran while maintaining an apparently neutral stance.

China might argue that air defense systems are defensive in nature, not offensive.

Moscow has been providing support to the Iranian regime throughout the war.

The intelligence revelation comes at a highly sensitive time, coinciding with the start of high-level talks in Islamabad.

Trump warned of imposing 50% tariffs on countries that supply Tehran with weapons.

Middle East Monitor

The Chinese embassy quickly denied the reports.

Tehran's efforts to bolster its air defenses reflect its lack of confidence in the diplomatic process.

This puts Beijing on a direct collision course with Washington ahead of Trump's visit.