Trump Rejects Malafide Question Linking China and Pakistan to Arming Iran
US President Donald Trump dismissed reports linking China and Pakistan to the supply of Chinese-made air-defence systems to Iran, describing the claims as surprising and reaffirming assurances he received from Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump was asked about media reports, citing sources familiar with the matter, that Iran was expected to receive an initial shipment of up to 300–400 Chinese QW-12 and FN-16 man-portable air-defence systems (MANPADS) within weeks under a deal valued at $60–70 million. The reports suggested the weapons could transit from western China through Pakistan.
“That would be surprising. I mean, things like that happen, but that would be surprising,” Trump said. “He [Xi] told me very strongly he wouldn’t partake, and he knows I’d be quite disappointed.” He noted that Xi is expected to visit the United States around September 24.
Trump did not directly address Pakistan’s alleged role in any transit arrangement and instead focused on the Chinese leader’s personal commitment. Beijing has called the claims “completely groundless.” Pakistan’s military media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), rejected the reports as “baseless and devoid of truth,” stating that “such speculations are categorically rejected.”
The episode comes amid ongoing tensions related to the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel. Pakistan has positioned itself as a neutral mediator seeking dialogue and de-escalation in the region. Trump has previously cited similar assurances from both Xi and Russian President Vladimir Putin that their countries would not supply weapons to Iran.
