U.S. officials are concerned that private Chinese military companies are considering selling shoulder-launched anti-aircraft missiles to Iran via third countries, three U.S. officials with knowledge of the matter told MS NOW.
It is not clear whether any Chinese-made missiles have been delivered to Iran or the extent to which the Chinese government has approved the sales, the officials said. But U.S. intelligence agencies are monitoring possible shipments via third countries, including countries in Africa, according to the officials.
“We’re tracking a number of deals,” said one U.S. official. “There is definitely some activity.”
The New York Times was first to report the potential sales.
U.S. officials have for years accused private Chinese companies of providing Iran with missile and other military components, and it is not known whether U.S. President Donald Trump intends to raise the issue with Chinese President Xi Jinping during their summit in Beijing.
The Chinese government has repeatedly denied providing arms to Iran.
The U.S. officials, who spoke to MS NOW on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the information, emphasized that any sales are being conducted by private Chinese companies. But one official expressed skepticism that the Chinese government would be unaware of such sales. “China is at a minimum helping Iran stay afloat in this war and blockade,” said a second U.S. official.
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CNN reported on April 11 that U.S. intelligence indicated China was preparing to deliver new air defense systems to Iran within weeks, citing three people familiar with recent intelligence assessments. The sales included short-range missile and radar capabilities, in what would mark a notable expansion of defense cooperation between Beijing and Tehran.
The Defense Intelligence Agency assessed that China was weighing whether to provide Tehran with advanced radar systems, CBS News reported on April 17. Beijing had considered supplying Iran with X-band radar systems that would improve Iran’s ability to track incoming threats, such as cruise missiles and drones. It is unclear whether China moved forward with that transfer.
Before the U.S. began the war with Iran, Tehran gained access to commercial Chinese satellite and imagery capabilities that could enhance its ability to monitor regional military activity, according to the Financial Times.
Beijing has denied the allegations in all three stories.
Lily Becker contributed reporting.
David Rohde is the senior national security reporter for MS NOW and a two-time winner of the Pulitzer Prize for International Reporting. Previously he was the senior executive editor for national security and law for NBC News.