China’s role in Iran’s missiles strikes against US
Leaked documents reveal how Tehran hijacked Chinese tech to spy on American troops
Iran secretly weaponized a Chinese spy satellite to pinpoint US military bases across the Middle East during the Gulf conflict. Built and launched by China’s Earth Eye Group, it was used by the Revolutionary Guard within months, the Financial Times revealed today.
Tehran commanders then ordered it to zoom in on key American installations, with time-stamped coordinates, satellite images, and orbital data. This took place before and after Iran’s barrage of drones and missiles hammered the sites, the FT reported, citing leaked documents.
The Chinese foreign ministry has denied the report, calling it untrue, according to a statement made to the Reuters news agency today.
Earlier this week, CNN broke the news that Beijing was planning to ship missiles to prop up the Islamic Republic. American President Donald Trump immediately threatened to impose massive 50% tariffs on China if its advanced air defense systems end up in Iran.
In response, a Chinese Embassy spokesperson in Washington called the allegations “baseless,” while “maliciously engaging in sensationalism.” Still, China has been lurking in the shadows as a vital backer for Tehran, which is a critical strategic partner.
On Tuesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping broke cover, slamming the United States’ blockade of Iranian ports as “dangerous and irresponsible.” He warned that the world was sliding back into the “law of the jungle.”
A prolonged conflict could exacerbate economic pressures.
Alicia García Herrero, Brussels-based think tank Bruegel
Dire Strait:
- Yet, Trump’s decision to roll out a naval blockade, “shutting down the Strait of Hormuz on his terms,” has spooked Xi.
- The aim would be to target Iranian ports and shipping, blocking up to two million barrels of daily crude exports from the Gulf nation.
Delve deeper: At least 45% of oil imports and 30% of China’s liquefied natural gas gushed through the strait. The critical artery has been blocked since the war erupted in February. Just a trickle has made it through to the world’s second-largest economy.
Between the lines: “While Beijing’s oil stockpiles and diversified sourcing offer short-term protection, a prolonged conflict could exacerbate economic pressures and undermine China’s global goals,” Alicia García Herrero, of the Brussels-based think tank Bruegel, said.
Big picture: Her in-depth analysis was published back in March. Since then, the energy shock has only increased. It even forced Xi’s regime to help the Trump administration broker a ceasefire with Tehran, paving the way for peace talks.
China Factor comment: But as for Beijing’s next move, that will depend on Trump’s erratic behavior and the zealots inside the Islamic Republic, as well as eyes in the skies.