China has rejected reports alleging that Chinese entities provided Iran with satellite imagery of a Jordanian military base housing US troops before and after an Iranian missile strike that killed three American soldiers.
Beijing described the reports as “groundless” and demanded evidence to support the allegation.
The reports, published by the Wall Street Journal over the weekend, concerned Iranian missile attacks on Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan on July 17.
The facility houses US military personnel, and the strikes reportedly resulted in the deaths of three American service members.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun dismissed the allegations during a regular press briefing on Monday.
“We firmly oppose groundless suspicion and accusations without evidence,” Guo said.
The Wall Street Journal, citing unnamed US officials, reportedly said Chinese entities were involved in providing satellite images to Tehran. However, the officials did not identify the companies allegedly involved and did not directly accuse the Chinese government of supplying the information.
Trump Downplays China-Iran Intelligence Report
US President Donald Trump also appeared to play down the reported intelligence transfer, even as the allegation threatens to add another layer of tension to relations between Washington and Beijing.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday, Trump acknowledged that both countries engage in intelligence-gathering activities.
“You know, when they say that China spies on us, I say you’re right, and we spy on them too,” Trump said.
“That’s what we do. They basically do what we do,” he added.
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According to the Wall Street Journal report, Chinese officials were pressed by US officials to provide evidence regarding the alleged transfer of satellite imagery.
The Chinese side reportedly rejected the suggestion that Chinese companies had supplied Tehran with satellite images connected to the military operation.
The dispute comes as Trump prepares to host Chinese President Xi Jinping at the White House on September 24, making the allegations particularly sensitive amid efforts by Washington and Beijing to manage their broader relationship.
US-China Tensions Over Iran
The United States has previously raised concerns over China’s relationship with Iran.
Trump has warned Beijing against selling weapons to Tehran, while Washington sanctioned three China-based satellite companies in May over allegations that they had enabled Iran’s military activities.
China remains one of Iran’s most important economic partners, including as a major buyer of Iranian oil, while Beijing has also provided diplomatic support to Tehran.
Despite the latest disagreement, Trump struck a relatively conciliatory tone when discussing Xi.
“He’s behaved reasonably well, and we behave reasonably well,” the US president said.
Trump was also asked whether he would ever permit Chinese-made cars to be sold in the United States.
“I haven’t. I’m the one that kept them out. The tariffs kept them out,” he replied.
The reported satellite imagery dispute adds to the complex diplomatic relationship between Washington and Beijing as both countries continue to navigate disagreements involving trade, technology, security and China’s relationship with Iran.