China to Arm Iran? Missile Deal Threatens Trump
According to a Reuters report, China plans to transfer up to 400 shoulder-fired missiles to Iran, in a deal that would mark a shift from Beijing's cautious approach. The contract includes 300 to 400 QW-12 and FN-16 man-portable air-defense systems, worth $60-70 million. The first shipment is expected within weeks. Trump warned that selling weapons to Tehran would be "very bad" for China, while China's foreign ministry denies the report.
According to a Reuters report, China intends to transfer up to 400 shoulder-fired missiles to Iran, in a deal that would mark a shift from Beijing's cautious stance. The contract includes 300 to 400 QW-12 and FN-16 man-portable air-defense systems, valued at $60-70 million. The first shipment is expected to arrive in Iran within weeks, though sources noted that quantities and timelines may change. The shoulder-fired missiles are designed to target helicopters, drones, and low-flying aircraft. Until now, Beijing has refrained from direct arms sales, instead transferring dual-use components like sodium perchlorate. Yuval Viner, an expert from MIND ISRAEL, assesses that the shift stems from Chinese interests, primarily its rivalry with the US, and that China wants to test its systems against American technology. Trump warned that selling weapons to Tehran would be "very bad" for China, while China's foreign ministry denies the report and Pakistan denies involvement. The deal could cast doubt on the promise Xi Jinping made to Trump.