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U.S. Intelligence Reports China Preparing MANPADS for Iran

The unconfirmed assessment could strain Trump’s planned talks with Xi.

Overview

  • U.S. intelligence assessments, cited by three people familiar with the briefings, indicate China is preparing to ship shoulder-fired anti-air missiles to Iran within weeks.
  • Two of those sources say Beijing may route the weapons through third countries to hide their origin.
  • China’s embassy in Washington rejects the claim, saying it has not supplied weapons to any side and calling the information untrue.
  • The missiles, known as MANPADS, are portable heat-seeking systems that threaten low-flying jets and helicopters and could raise risk if the ceasefire fails.
  • The report surfaces ahead of President Trump’s planned trip to Beijing next month, and a confirmed transfer would shift China’s role from commercial dual-use sales to a direct government weapons delivery.