Chinese company set to supply weapons to Iran after President Donald Trump said Xi Jinping assured him China wouldn’t arm Tehran
A Chinese company is preparing to supply Iran with hundreds of portable anti-aircraft missile systems as Tehran rebuilds air defenses damaged by U.S. and Israeli strikes, according to a Reuters investigation. The report appears to contradict President Donald Trump‘s claim that Chinese President Xi Jinping personally assured him Beijing would not arm Iran.
According to Reuters, Iran and Zhongqing Baoshang International Investment have signed a $60 million to $70 million deal for 300 to 400 shoulder-fired man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS). The report, by John Irish and Jonathan Saul said the agreement includes Chinese-made QW-12 and FN-16 missiles.
Sources cited by Reuters said the Hong Kong-based company acted as an intermediary between Iranian officials and the Chinese supplier.
Trump’s assurance from Xi
Trump has said both Xi and Russian President Vladimir Putin assured him their countries were not supplying weapons to Iran.
In a Truth Social post, Trump wrote, “President Xi, at our recent meeting in Beijing, China, told me that he would not, under any circumstances, give or sell Weapons to the Islamic Republic of Iran — And that statement included Chinese Companies.”
He added, “Considering our relationship, I take him at his word and, besides, l am doing him very big favors, also.”
Trump said Putin had given him similar assurances that Russia would not sell weapons to Tehran.
According to TFTC, Trump made the post around July 24, 2026. Asked about the Reuters report on July 29, Trump said he would be “disappointed” if China supplied weapons to Iran while repeating the assurances he said Xi had given him.
Delivery route and deal details
According to Reuters, the shipment would initially be flown from Urumqi in western China before transiting through Pakistan into Iran. Sources did not specify whether the final leg would be by road or air.
Two Western intelligence sources and an Iranian official also told Reuters that Tehran had explored overland routes for transporting Chinese military equipment and dual-use components to reduce the risk of disruption.
The shipment is reportedly intended to replace air-defense capabilities damaged during Operation Epic Fury.
The QW-12 offers extended range and improved resistance to infrared jamming, while the FN-16 is designed to engage low-flying aircraft and is considered highly resistant to electronic countermeasures.
European and Middle Eastern security officials also told Reuters that Iran has sought Chinese MANPADS for some time and has expressed interest in Chinese anti-ship cruise missiles.
China and Pakistan deny involvement
China’s Foreign Ministry dismissed the report, saying, “The relevant reports are completely groundless. China has consistently played a role in promoting peace and ending the conflict.”
Asked about the alleged deal, Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Jiang Bin said he was “not familiar with the relevant situation.”
Zhong Qing Bao Shang Group, the parent company of Zhongqing Baoshang International Investment, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Iran’s Foreign Ministry also did not immediately comment.
Pakistan’s military media wing, ISPR, denied any role in the reported transfer.
“Speculations of Pakistan being involved in the supply of Air Defense weapons to Iran from China are absolutely concocted and false.”
Broader pattern of alleged Chinese and Russian support
The Reuters report follows weeks of U.S. officials raising concerns about Chinese and Russian support for Iran during its conflict with Israel and the United States.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told lawmakers that Russia and China, “at different levels,” are “enabling what Iran is doing.”
Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said additional information remains classified.
Sources who spoke to NBC News in May said Iran may have used Chinese missiles and long-range early-warning radar during the conflict. Analysts have also suggested Chinese satellites provided Tehran with enhanced targeting data.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who also serves as national security adviser, declined to address reports that Russia shared targeting intelligence with Iran.
“Who says they are?” Rubio asked reporters twice before adding, “Let’s imagine that were true. I certainly wouldn’t discuss it in the press.”
China has repeatedly condemned the U.S.-Israeli strikes while avoiding direct military involvement. According to Reuters and other media reports, Beijing instead pursued behind-the-scenes diplomacy and supplied Iran with satellite imagery of U.S. military targets around the Gulf.
Current state of the conflict
Iran has sought to rebuild its defenses after months of fighting in which the United States and Israel targeted facilities tied to its missile, drone and air-defense programs. Tehran responded with waves of ballistic missile and drone attacks, highlighting the vulnerability of fixed military sites to advanced aircraft and precision-guided weapons.
Washington paused its bombing campaign for two weeks on a Saturday, though Trump has said military strikes could resume if negotiations fail to end the conflict.