Trump Comments on China-Iran Satellite Imagery Issue

President Donald Trump addressed concerns about Chinese entities supplying Iran with satellite imagery linked to a deadly missile attack in Jordan. Speaking aboard Air Force One, he affirmed mutual espionage between China and the U.S.

Trump responded to reporters about a Wall Street Journal report revealing Chinese entities provided Iran with high-resolution satellite images of the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base. This imaging was allegedly connected to the July 17 missile strike that resulted in the deaths of three U.S. troops.

“They basically do what we do,” Trump remarked when discussing the situation. He noted, “China spies on us, and we spy on them too.”

When asked if he would address this issue with Chinese President Xi Jinping during Xi’s upcoming visit to the U.S., Trump indicated no immediate plans to do so. He described Xi’s behavior as reasonable and stated that the U.S. behaves similarly.

“You know what they say? That China spies on us. I say you’re right, and we spy on them, too,” Trump commented.

Reports tied the satellite imagery to Iran’s missile attack, marking the clearest connection of Chinese support to damaging outcomes for U.S. forces, as per the media outlet. Yet, officials did not identify the entities involved or claim direct involvement by Beijing.

President Xi Jinping is expected in Washington on September 24 for a summit with Trump. Despite media inquiries, the White House did not provide a comment on this matter.