Chinese Firms Plot Arms Sales to Iran via Third Countries, U.S. Says No Battlefield Use Seen
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · May 13
Chinese Firms Plot Arms Sales to Iran via Third Countries, U.S. Says No Battlefield Use Seen
6 articles · Updated · The New York Times · May 13
U.S. intelligence shows Chinese companies and Iranian officials discussed covert arms transfers routed through third countries to hide the weapons’ origin, according to U.S. officials.
Officials differ on whether any shipments have already reached intermediary countries, and the U.S. says no Chinese weapons have yet appeared on the battlefield against American or Israeli forces.
Trump, in Beijing this week, faces fresh pressure to raise the issue with Xi Jinping, though he has signaled he wants to reset ties and said Xi has been “relatively good” on Iran.
Last month, U.S. intelligence also indicated China may have transferred shoulder-fired MANPADS to Iran and was considering additional weapons shipments, widening concern over Beijing’s role in the war that began in late February.
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