China Denies Supplying Iran Satellite Intel Before Deadly US Base Strike

China has rejected reports that Chinese entities provided Iran with satellite images of a US military base in Jordan before an Iranian missile strike that killed three American soldiers.

The Wall Street Journal reported that the intelligence was allegedly supplied ahead of the July 17 attack on Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan. The report, citing unnamed US officials, did not identify the Chinese entities allegedly involved or directly accuse Beijing.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun dismissed the allegations on Monday, saying Beijing “firmly oppose[s] groundless suspicion and accusations without evidence.”

The report comes ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s planned visit to the White House on September 24 and could add tension to already sensitive US-China relations.

US President Donald Trump, however, played down the allegations, saying China and the US both engage in espionage.

“When they say that China spies on us, I say you’re right, and we spy on them too,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday.

Trump has previously warned Beijing against supplying weapons to Iran. In May, Washington also sanctioned three China-based satellite companies over alleged support for Iran’s military operations.

China remains a major economic and diplomatic partner of Iran, including through its purchases of Iranian oil.