China’s Supply of Anti-Air Missile Systems to Iran
A Chinese company is preparing to supply Iran with hundreds of portable anti-air missile systems, as reported by Reuters. Recently, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Chinese leader Xi Jinping assured him Chinese firms would not arm Tehran. Despite China’s political alliance with Iran and its condemnation of U.S.-Israeli strikes since February 28, Beijing has refrained from direct involvement in the conflict. Instead, China provides diplomatic support and satellite imagery of U.S. military targets in the Gulf, according to Reuters and other media reports.
Details of the Missile Deal
Iran and Zhongqing Baoshang International Investment signed a $60-70 million deal for 300-400 shoulder-fired man-portable air defense (MANPAD) systems. Reuters sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the sale, indicated the involvement of Hong Kong-based Zhongqing Baoshang as an intermediary for the Chinese supplier. The shipment will include Chinese-made FN-16 and QW-12 missile systems. Newsweek reached out to Zhong Qing Bao Shang Group, the parent company, and Chinese and Iranian foreign ministries for comments but received no immediate response.
Logistics and Reactions
According to approved plans, the missiles will first be flown from Urumqi in China’s Xinjiang region to Pakistan, then transported to Iran. Details of the final leg of the journey, including whether it will be by air or road, remain uncertain. China’s Foreign Ministry labeled the report “completely groundless,” while Pakistan’s military dismissed it as “absolutely concocted and false”.
Diplomatic Measures
During Trump’s visit to Beijing in May, Xi promised not to sell weapons to Iran. Trump reiterated this assurance in a Truth Social post, mentioning Russian President Vladimir Putin’s similar promise. The U.S. halted its aerial campaign against Iran on Saturday to facilitate diplomacy. A ceasefire was declared on April 8, and a memorandum of understanding brokered by Pakistan in June aims for a peace agreement over 60 days.
Military Context
Chinese C-802 anti-ship cruise missiles, and Iranian derivatives, are used by Iran and supplied to Yemen’s Houthis, who have recently targeted Saudi oil tankers. In February, shortly before the U.S. and Israel’s offensive, Reuters reported Iran’s interest in acquiring China’s CM-302 supersonic anti-ship missile.
Contact Newsweek editors John Feng and Sam Wilson for further information on this story.