Technology · Malaysia Bureau
China denies providing Iran satellite imagery before US base strike
Beijing has rejected allegations that Chinese entities supplied Tehran with satellite images of a Jordanian air base housing American troops ahead of an Iranian military operation. The denial comes as tensions remain elevated in the Middle East.
LSN Malaysia ·
China's Foreign Ministry dismissed reports claiming that Chinese companies or government bodies provided Iranian forces with satellite imagery before and after an attack on a US military installation in Jordan, according to state media sources on Tuesday.
The allegations, which emerged in international media reports, suggested that imagery from Chinese satellite operators may have assisted Iranian forces in targeting or assessing the impact of their strikes against the base. Beijing characterised such claims as unfounded and expressed concern over what it described as unsubstantiated reporting.
The incident has intensified scrutiny on potential military cooperation between Beijing and Tehran, particularly regarding intelligence sharing and surveillance capabilities. US officials have previously raised concerns about deepening security ties between China and Iran, citing risks to regional stability.
China has long maintained that it does not provide military support to nations engaged in conflicts or operations contrary to international law. Officials reiterated the country's commitment to peaceful resolution of Middle Eastern disputes and stated that Beijing maintains balanced relations across the region.