Key Takeaways
- Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning refuted a report claiming China plans to supply 400 SAMs (surface-to-air missiles) to Iran.
- The deal, valued at $60 million to $70 million, involves the purchase of between 300 and 400 man-portable air-defence systems from Chinese suppliers.
- Iran seeks to rebuild its military capabilities following months of conflict with the United States and Israel.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning dismissed a report that claimed China was planning to supply Iran with 400 surface-to-air missiles (SAMs). Speaking at a regular press briefing on Thursday, Mao stated that the reports were 'completely groundless' and reiterated China's commitment to peace and conflict resolution.
The report, which appeared in several media outlets two days prior, suggested that Iran was expected to receive its first shipment of up to 400 Chinese-made shoulder-fired air-defence missile systems within weeks. The deal, valued between $60 million and $70 million, represents one of the largest known efforts by Iran to strengthen its short-range air-defence capabilities since the ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel.
According to sources familiar with the deal, the agreement covers the purchase of between 300 and 400 man-portable air-defence systems (MANPADS), including China's QW-12 and FN-16 missile systems. The contract was signed with Zhongqing Baoshang International Investment, a Hong Kong-based company acting as an intermediary between Iranian officials and the Chinese supplier.
Iran has been seeking to rebuild its defences following months of conflict where the United States and Israel targeted facilities linked to Iran's missile, drone, and air-defence programmes. Tehran responded with waves of ballistic missiles and drone attacks, highlighting the difficulty in protecting fixed military sites and strategic infrastructure against advanced aircraft and precision-guided weapons.
The conflict has technically remained under a ceasefire since April, but Washington suspended two weeks of bombardment on Saturday, with US President Donald Trump warning that strikes could resume if negotiations fail to end the five-month-old conflict. In response to the Reuters report, Trump said it would be 'surprising' if Iran received such equipment from China, given assurances from Chinese President Xi Jinping.
China's Defence Ministry spokesperson Jiang Bin stated during a regular press briefing in Beijing that he was 'not familiar with the relevant situation.' Meanwhile, Beijing-based Zhong Qing Bao Shang Group, the parent company of Zhongqing Baoshang International Investment, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The relevant reports are completely groundless. China has consistently played a role in promoting peace and ending the conflict.
Mao Ning, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson
I mean, things like that happen, but that would be surprising. He (Xi) told me very strongly he wouldn't partake, but he knows I'd be quite disappointed.
Donald Trump, US President
