China Denies Aiding Iran in Attack That Killed US Soldiers
The Wall Street Journal reported that Chinese entities may have provided Iran with satellite imagery of a US base in Jordan prior to an attack in July that killed three American soldiers. The report, citing unnamed US sources, indicated that the specific entities involved were not identified, nor was there a claim of direct Chinese government involvement. This report has sparked diplomatic reactions, with Beijing officially responding on Monday. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Xiaojun stated at a press briefing that China "strongly opposes unfounded suspicions and accusations made without evidence," asserting that the country consistently adheres to its international obligations.
When asked by reporters on Air Force One about raising the issue with Chinese President Xi Jinping, US President Donald Trump downplayed the accusation, comparing intelligence gathering between the two nations. "They are basically doing what we are doing," Trump said, adding, "When they say China is spying on us, I say you are right, and we are spying on them too."
Trump reiterated his positive relationship with Xi, stating, "I think he has behaved pretty well, and we are behaving pretty well." The two leaders are scheduled to meet in the United States on September 24, 2026, though Beijing has not officially confirmed this date. Since the start of the conflict involving the US and Israel against Iran in late February, at least 18 American service members have been killed. Tensions between Washington and Beijing regarding Iran remain a sensitive issue in their bilateral relations. China maintains economic and diplomatic ties with Iran, but previous reports suggest Beijing has avoided supplying advanced weapon systems to Tehran to prevent US sanctions and regional instability.
