How China helped arm Iran before Trump rolled out the red carpet for Xi
An investigation reveals that China has been supplying dual-use military components to Iran despite public diplomatic efforts to ease tensions. Records show over 1,300 shipments of items like GPS and aircraft parts to Iran's defense ministry during a period of heightened US-Iran conflict.
Why it matters
This highlights a significant geopolitical contradiction where China maintains a strategic partnership with Iran while engaging in high-level diplomatic summits with the United States.
US president Donald Trump hosted a grand welcome for Chinese president Xi Jinping but in the background of this fanfare, an investigation by the Wall Street Journal has shown how China has been supporting Iran militarily in its war against the US.When the US and Iran agreed to a temporary truce this summer, China was quick to highlight its diplomatic role.Beijing said its foreign ministry had made dozens of calls to help ease tensions, while Xi Jinping had personally offered suggestions aimed at ending the conflict.But on the very day the truce was signed, a Chinese aircraft landed in Tehran carrying electronics for Iran’s ministry of defense.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in