Trump dismisses report China entities helped Iran before attack that killed US troops

President Donald Trump dismissed a Wall Street Journal report alleging Chinese entities provided satellite imagery to Iran before a July attack on a US base in Jordan that killed three American troops. Trump equated Chinese and US surveillance activities, stating they "basically do what we do." He reiterated his good relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping ahead of a potential September 24 meeting. The report, which Reuters could not verify, cited unnamed US officials and did not allege direct Beijing involvement.

President Donald Trump dismissed a Wall Street Journal report alleging that Chinese entities provided satellite imagery to Iran before a July attack on a US base in Jordan that killed three American troops. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday, Trump equated Chinese and US surveillance activities, stating, "They basically do what we do. When they say China spies on us, I say you're right, and we spy on them too." He did not directly answer whether he would raise the issue with Chinese President Xi Jinping at an upcoming meeting, expected on September 24 in the United States, though China has not officially confirmed. Trump reiterated his view that he has a good relationship with Xi, saying, "I think he's behaved reasonably well, and we behave reasonably well." The Wall Street Journal report, which Reuters could not immediately verify, cited unnamed US officials who declined to identify the specific Chinese entities involved and did not allege direct involvement by Beijing. Trump's comments align with the administration's recent efforts to downplay tensions between Washington and Beijing, despite US frustration over China's close ties to Tehran.