Trump downplays report China supplied satellite images aiding Jordan base attack

President Donald Trump downplayed recent reports that Chinese entities supplied Iran with satellite imagery of a US military base in Jordan prior to and following an Iranian missile strike that resulted in the deaths of three American soldiers. During a press conference on Sunday, Trump affirmed that China engages in intelligence activities against the United States, but claimed the US also conducts similar activities.

"When they say that China spies on us, I say you're right, and we spy on them too," Trump stated, just days after The Wall Street Journal reported that Beijing had shared intelligence with Iran. This revelation could exacerbate tensions between Washington and Beijing as Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to visit the White House on September 24.

On July 17, Iran launched missiles at the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan, home to US forces, resulting in the death of three US Army soldiers. According to the Journal, US officials discussing the alleged intelligence-sharing did not disclose the specific Chinese entities involved or accuse the Chinese government of directly providing the imagery.

The report stated that Chinese officials requested proof of any transfer of satellite images when confronted by US officials and denied that Chinese companies had supplied Tehran with such imagery. The US has previously cautioned Beijing against supplying weapons to Iran, and in May, Washington imposed sanctions on three China-based satellite companies for their alleged support of Iran's military operations.

Despite the latest allegations, Trump maintained a relatively amicable demeanor when questioned about his relationship with Xi. "He's been behaving reasonably well, and we have been behaving reasonably well," Trump commented. When asked whether he would permit Chinese-made cars to be sold in the United States, Trump replied, "I haven't. I'm the one that kept them out. The tariffs kept them out."