President Trump issued a direct threat to Beijing Saturday, warning that China will face “big problems” if it transfers air defense weapons to Iran as U.S. military operations continue in the region.
“If China does that, China is gonna have big problems, OK?” Trump told reporters.
U.S. intelligence assessments indicate China may be preparing to send man-portable air defense systems, known as MANPADS, to Tehran. The shoulder-fired, heat-seeking missiles are designed to target low-flying aircraft. Officials caution the intelligence is not definitive, and there is no confirmed evidence the weapons have been used against U.S. or Israeli forces.
The warning came after an American F-15E fighter jet was shot down over Iran earlier this month, marking the first loss of a manned U.S. aircraft in the conflict. Trump said at the time the jet was struck by a “shoulder-fired missile.” U.S. officials believe a MANPADS-type weapon was likely responsible.
China denied the reports. The Chinese embassy in Washington said Beijing “never provides weapons to any party to the conflict” and called the allegations untrue.
The exchange comes weeks before Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to hold a summit in Beijing in May. The meeting was previously postponed due to the ongoing Iran conflict and is expected to cover trade tensions, Taiwan, and China’s role in the war.
Beyond the potential MANPADS transfer, separate reporting based on satellite imagery and maritime tracking data found Iranian vessels departing Chinese ports carrying cargo believed to include sodium perchlorate, a key ingredient in ballistic missile fuel, according to the Washington Post. Western intelligence and shipping data indicate multiple such shipments have reached Iran during the conflict.
Defense analysts note China has long supported Iran’s military capabilities, supplying components used in ballistic missiles, drones, and surveillance and targeting technologies. In recent years, Iran has sought more advanced Chinese systems, including anti-ship missiles and air defense platforms, to rebuild capabilities degraded by previous strikes.
China also has engaged in diplomatic outreach, pressing Iran to enter ceasefire talks with the U.S. and Israel while publicly calling for de-escalation. U.S. officials say Beijing’s private actions tell a different story.
