Chinese defense companies reportedly discussed secret weapons sales with Iran, with plans to send the arms through third countries. However, there is still no confirmation that the deals were finalized or that any shipments were made.
According to The New York Times, US intelligence became aware of the contacts between the Chinese companies and Iran through intelligence reports.
Officials familiar with the intelligence are divided on whether the weapons were actually shipped from China to third countries.
“The United States has gathered intelligence indicating that Chinese companies and Iranian officials discussed arms deliveries. It remains unclear how many weapons, if any, were delivered, and to what extent Chinese officials approved the sales,” the report says.
The reports could put additional pressure on President Donald Trump to address the issue during his visit to Beijing this week, though it is still unclear whether he plans to do so.
Last month, CNN reported that China may have transferred man-portable air-defense systems (MANPADS) to Iran. Even so, there have been no confirmed reports of Chinese-made weapons being used against US or Israeli forces since the conflict with Iran began in late February.
US sanctions against Chinese companies
The United States has imposed sanctions on several Chinese satellite operators for selling satellite imagery to Iran.
Among those added to the sanctions list was Meentropy Technology (Hangzhou) Co. Ltd, also known as MizarVision, which specializes in geospatial intelligence.
The United States also sanctioned Chang Guang Satellite Technology Co., Ltd. (Chang Guang), accusing the company of providing satellite images of US and allied military sites to Iran during Operation Epic Fury.
US officials also say the company previously supplied satellite imagery to Yemen’s Houthi rebels.
Additionally, Washington announced a new round of sanctions targeting Chinese companies and individuals involved in supplying Iran with weapons and military technology.
