China denies supplying Missile Systems to Iran after Israel ceasefire
Beijing has dismissed reports of missile defense shipments to Iran, calling the claims “false and misleading.”
China denies reports of supplying missile systems to Iran after ceasefire with Israel, calling the claims false and reaffirming its arms export policies.
The Chinese Embassy in Israel has publicly rejected claims that China delivered advanced surface-to-air missile systems to Iran in the weeks following the June 24 ceasefire between Iran and Israel. In a statement to Israel Hayom, the embassy described the report as “inaccurate and contrary to the facts.”
“The content of this report is incorrect,” the statement read. “China firmly opposes the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems, and consistently emphasizes strict enforcement of export control and non-proliferation regimes.”
The embassy also reiterated that China does not export military systems to nations engaged in active armed conflict. “We impose strict oversight on all dual-use exports,” the statement continued, “and as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, we take a responsible approach toward military-related exports.”
These denials follow a controversial report by Middle East Eye, which cited anonymous Arab diplomatic sources claiming that China had transferred missile defense systems—possibly HQ-9 units—to Iran. In exchange, Iran allegedly shipped crude oil to China as payment.
According to the report, the delivery came amid Iran’s attempts to rapidly rebuild its air defense infrastructure, which suffered severe damage during the recent 12-day conflict with Israel. Israeli forces reportedly seized control of airspace over western Iran and even Tehran early in the conflict.
The same Arab sources also claimed that both U.S.-aligned Arab states and the White House were aware of Iran’s efforts to restock its missile defenses. Though no precise figures were provided, the report suggested that the weapons transfer was significant and strategically timed.
Iran has long relied on Russian-made air defense systems such as the S-300, along with indigenous adaptations. However, after reported losses in the war with Israel, Tehran may be seeking alternatives from China—raising the stakes in an already volatile region.
One of the systems Iran may have received is the HQ-9, a long-range SAM platform that has been effectively deployed during the India-Pakistan skirmishes. Reports even suggest it was used to shoot down advanced Rafale fighter jets during those tensions.
China is Iran’s largest oil customer, receiving nearly 90% of the Islamic Republic’s oil exports. Strategic cooperation between the two nations includes previous agreements on military supplies, including ballistic missile components.
Despite these close ties, China has attempted to maintain a neutral stance on the Iran-Israel conflict. While Beijing’s foreign ministry condemned Israeli airstrikes, President Xi Jinping avoided inflammatory rhetoric, instead urging for restraint and a return to diplomacy.
The conflicting narratives from Middle East Eye and the Chinese Embassy underscore broader tensions surrounding Iran’s rearmament and China’s rising influence in the Middle East. As Beijing strengthens its military-industrial ties with Tehran, global scrutiny over the nature and scope of that partnership is likely to intensify.
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