US President Donald Trump on Sunday dismissed a report that Chinese entities supplied Iran with satellite images before a deadly attack on a US base.
The Wall Street Journal reported that Iran obtained high-resolution satellite imagery of the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan from Chinese sources. Iran launched missile strikes on the base on July 17. Three US Army soldiers died in the attack.
Trump spoke to reporters aboard Air Force One while returning from a weekend trip to Ireland. He addressed the claims directly.
“They basically do what we do,” Trump said. “When they say China spies on us, I say you’re right and we spy on them too.”
Unnamed US officials cited in the report declined to identify the Chinese entities involved. They also stopped short of alleging direct involvement by the Chinese government. Chinese officials later asked for proof of the imagery transfer and refused to acknowledge any role by Chinese companies.
Meanwhile, Trump reiterated his positive view of Chinese President Xi Jinping. The two leaders are expected to meet in the United States on September 24, though China has not yet officially confirmed the talks.
“I think he’s behaved reasonably well, and we behave reasonably well,” Trump said.
He did not directly answer when asked whether he would raise the intelligence issue during the planned meeting.
Earlier this year, the United States sanctioned three China-based satellite companies for enabling Iranian military operations. Trump has previously warned Beijing against providing weapons to Iran.
China remains a major economic partner of Iran and purchases much of its oil. The latest report added to existing tensions between Washington and Beijing ahead of the expected summit.
