China has rejected reports that Chinese entities provided Iran with satellite intelligence used in a deadly missile strike on a US military base in Jordan that killed three American service members.
The allegation followed a report by The Wall Street Journal that US officials had linked high-resolution satellite imagery supplied by Chinese entities to Iran’s July 17 missile attack on Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan. Four other US service members were reportedly injured in the attack.
According to the report, Iran obtained satellite images of the military facility before and after the strike. US officials believe the imagery may have helped Iran improve its targeting of the base.
However, the US has not accused the Chinese government of directly ordering or coordinating the attack, and the specific Chinese entities allegedly involved have not been publicly identified.
China’s Foreign Ministry has denied the allegations, saying Beijing complies with international obligations and opposing what it described as unfounded accusations.
The controversy comes amid growing scrutiny of China’s relationship with Iran and allegations that Chinese technology and satellite capabilities have been used to strengthen Tehran’s military intelligence.
US President Donald Trump also appeared to play down the development when questioned about the report, saying China conducts surveillance against the United States just as Washington conducts surveillance against China.
The report has added another layer of tension between Washington and Beijing as Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to discuss a range of issues during a planned meeting later this month.
For now, there is no public evidence establishing that the Chinese government directly supplied Iran with intelligence for the deadly strike. The allegations remain focused on unnamed Chinese entities and their reported provision of satellite imagery.
