China slams report it gave Iran satellite imagery before deadly strike on US base

On September 14, China dismissed as "groundless" reports alleging that Chinese entities provided Iran with satellite images of a Jordanian airbase housing US troops, prior to and following an Iranian missile attack that killed three American soldiers. The Wall Street Journal reported on the July 17 strikes, though unnamed American officials did not name the Chinese entities in question.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun denounced the unfounded accusations lacking any evidence during a Monday news conference. US President Donald Trump attempted to downplay the reports, which might escalate tensions ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping's planned visit to the White House on September 24. Trump acknowledged the US also spies on China, stating, "That’s what we do.

They basically do what we do." Chinese officials requested proof of satellite image transfers and refused to admit Chinese involvement. President Trump has cautioned Beijing against selling weapons to Iran and in May, the US sanctioned three China-based satellite firms for aiding Iran's military operations. While China is a major economic partner with Iran, procuring most of its oil, China also serves as a significant diplomatic ally.

Despite this, Trump remarked on Sunday that Xi "has behaved reasonably well, and we behave reasonably well." When asked about selling Chinese cars in the United States, Trump reaffirmed his opposition, saying, "I haven’t. I’m the one that kept them out. The tariffs kept them out."