As military clashes continue between the United States and Iran, there is speculation that Chinese-made surface-to-air missiles could flow into Iran. U.S. President Donald Trump repeatedly emphasized that Chinese President Xi Jinping assured him China would not sell weapons to Iran, warning he would be "disappointed" if China supplied arms to Iran.
According to Reuters on the 29th (local time), Iran is set to receive up to 400 Chinese-made man-portable air-defense missile launchers within weeks. The weapons to be introduced are surface-to-air missile systems such as the QW-12 and FN-16. These missiles are mainly used to intercept low-flying aircraft, helicopters, and drones. Military experts said, "They are highly mobile and can be rapidly deployed around key military facilities and energy infrastructure." The total contract size is between $60 million (about 87 billion won) and $70 million (about 101 billion won). Reuters added that the transaction was concluded with a Hong Kong company, Zhongqing Baoshang International Investment, brokering between China and Iran.
Iran has suffered heavy damage to missiles, drones, and air defense-related facilities while at war with the United States and Israel in recent months. The introduction of Chinese-made missiles also appears to be a step to rebuild its military power. Military experts analyzed that man-portable air-defense missiles are easy to disperse and can be operated by small units, making them essential to strengthening Iran's defenses. The weapons are reportedly scheduled to be shipped from Urumqi, China, through Pakistan, and into Iran. Reuters said Iran is also seeking to use land routes to procure Chinese-made munitions and dual-use components more covertly.
At the White House Oval Office, President Trump was asked about reports of a weapons transaction and said, "Those things could happen, but if it actually happened, it would be surprising." Aiming at Xi, he said, "He told me very strongly that he would not get involved (in the Iran war)," adding, "He knows I would be quite disappointed. I think he (Xi) will come to the United States on Sept. 24." Earlier, Trump threatened to impose a 50% tariff on countries supplying weapons to Iran. The latest remarks are also seen as an attempt to apply indirect pressure by invoking the U.S.-China summit to be held in the second half of the year.
The countries singled out flatly denied the missile transaction allegations. China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs countered, "The relevant reports are completely unfounded. China has consistently played a role in promoting peace and ending conflicts." China is not currently exporting weapons directly to Iran. However, it is providing dual-use technology that can be used for military purposes. Pakistan's military authorities also issued a statement dismissing the speculation that Pakistan was involved in supplying air defense weapons as "a completely fabricated lie."