Trump says China spies on the U.S. after a report linked Chinese satellite imagery to Iran’s deadly strike that killed three American troops.
President Donald Trump has weighed in on allegations that Chinese entities provided satellite imagery to Iran before a deadly missile attack on a U.S. military base in Jordan, saying that China spies on the United States while Washington conducts similar intelligence activities.
Trump’s comments came after a report alleged that Iran obtained high-resolution satellite imagery from Chinese sources before and after the July 17 attack on Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan. The strike killed three U.S. service members and wounded four others.
Asked about the allegations, Trump appeared to downplay the significance of Chinese intelligence activity, noting that the United States also conducts espionage operations.
The comments come as Washington faces growing concerns over China’s relationship with Iran and the potential military implications of Chinese technology and intelligence reaching Tehran.
Report links Chinese imagery to Iran attack
According to reporting cited by The Wall Street Journal, U.S. officials have linked satellite imagery supplied by Chinese entities to the Iranian missile attack on the Jordanian base.
The imagery reportedly provided Iran with detailed information about the military facility both before and after the strike. U.S. officials did not publicly identify the Chinese entities involved and did not accuse the Chinese government itself of directly ordering or participating in the attack.
The allegations are nevertheless significant because the attack resulted in the deaths of three American troops and demonstrated Iran’s ability to strike U.S. forces in the region.
Washington has previously expressed concerns about Chinese companies supplying intelligence capabilities to Iran. U.S. officials have also sanctioned Chinese firms over alleged assistance involving imagery provided to Tehran.
China rejects the allegations
Beijing has denied wrongdoing and pushed back against claims that Chinese entities assisted Iran in the deadly attack.
The allegations have added another layer of tension to an already complicated U.S.-China relationship. They also come ahead of a potential meeting between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, which is tentatively expected to take place later this month.
Trump, however, has continued to emphasize his relationship with Xi and suggested that the two countries can maintain dialogue despite their significant disagreements.
Trump expected to discuss broader issues with Xi
The reported Chinese satellite imagery connection could become an issue in Washington-Beijing discussions, particularly as the United States continues to scrutinize China’s relationship with Iran.
Reuters reported that Trump has indicated he expects to discuss a wide range of issues with Xi, while the administration has sought to avoid unnecessary escalation with Beijing ahead of the anticipated meeting.
For now, the central allegation remains contested. U.S. officials say the imagery came from Chinese entities and was connected to the Iranian operation, while Beijing denies the accusations. There has been no public allegation that the Chinese government directly ordered or coordinated the attack.
The dispute highlights the increasingly complicated intersection of U.S.-China rivalry, Iranian military operations and intelligence technology in the Middle East.
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