Beijing Rejects Allegations of Aiding Iran in Deadly US Base Attack

On Monday, Beijing dismissed as “groundless” recent reports alleging that Chinese organizations had provided Tehran with satellite imagery of a US military installation in Jordan. These accusations surfaced following an Iranian strike that resulted in the deaths of three American service members. The Wall Street Journal had published these claims over the weekend, linking them to missile attacks carried out by Iran on the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan on July 17.

The Journal's report, which cited unnamed American officials, did not identify the specific Chinese entities supposedly involved, nor did it directly implicate the Chinese government. Responding to these allegations at a regular press briefing on Monday, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated, “We firmly oppose groundless suspicion and accusations without evidence.”

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump appeared to downplay the significance of these reports, which have the potential to escalate diplomatic friction ahead of Chinese leader Xi Jinping's scheduled visit to the White House on September 24. Speaking to journalists aboard Air Force One on Sunday, Trump remarked, “You know, when they say that China spies on us, I say you’re right, and we spy on them too. That’s what we do. They basically do what we do,” he added.

According to the Journal's late Friday report, American officials had pressed their Chinese counterparts for evidence regarding the alleged transfer of satellite intelligence. However, Chinese officials reportedly requested proof themselves and denied any involvement of Chinese firms in supplying satellite images to Tehran.

President Trump has previously cautioned Beijing against selling weaponry to Iran. In May, Washington imposed sanctions on three satellite companies based in China, accusing them of facilitating Iran’s military activities. China maintains a significant economic partnership with Iran, purchasing a substantial portion of its oil exports, and also serves as a key diplomatic ally. Despite the ongoing tensions, Trump commented on Sunday regarding President Xi, stating, “he’s behaved reasonably well, and we behave reasonably well.” When questioned about the prospect of allowing Chinese-manufactured vehicles to be sold in the United States, Trump responded, “I haven’t. I’m the one that kept them out. The tariffs kept them out.”