China Denies Arming Iran, Warns U.S. Over Tariffs
Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- China denies supplying weapons to Iran, calling U.S. allegations inaccurate and threatening countermeasures if tariffs are imposed.
- Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps stated it possesses undisclosed military capabilities that could be revealed if conflict continues.
- China urges a complete ceasefire and de-escalation in the Strait of Hormuz, warning that U.S. blockades worsen the situation.
Beijing has firmly refuted claims by the United States that it is arming Iran, labeling the accusations as baseless smears. The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Guo Jiakun, emphasized China's responsible approach to military exports and its adherence to international law. The threat of a 50 percent tariff by U.S. President Donald Trump is seen as a highly inaccurate and ill-intentioned move, to which China has vowed to respond with countermeasures. This stance underscores China's commitment to its own legal frameworks and international obligations, while also signaling a firm opposition to what it perceives as politically motivated aggression.
China always acts prudently and responsibly on the export of military products, and exercises strict control in accordance with China's laws and regulations on export control and due international obligations. China opposes groundless smear and ill-intentioned association.
Meanwhile, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has issued a veiled threat, suggesting it has not yet deployed its full military capabilities. Spokesperson Hossein Mohebbi indicated that new, unknown capabilities would be unveiled if the conflict persists. This statement, coupled with the Iranian Defense Ministry's assertion of increased military strength in missiles, drones, and ammunition, paints a picture of a nation preparing for prolonged engagement. The narrative from Tehran suggests a readiness to escalate, driven by perceived external threats and a desire to project strength.
If the U.S. goes ahead with the tariff hikes on China on the basis of these accusations, China will respond with countermeasures.
China has also voiced strong concerns over the U.S. blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, deeming it a dangerous and irresponsible act that undermines the fragile ceasefire. Guo Jiakun stressed that such actions only aggravate confrontation and jeopardize safe passage. Beijing's position, as articulated by its Foreign Ministry, is that only a comprehensive ceasefire can truly de-escalate the situation. China advocates for all parties to honor the agreement, pursue peace talks, and take concrete steps to reduce tensions. This diplomatic push highlights China's role as a mediator and its emphasis on political and diplomatic solutions over military escalations, a perspective that often contrasts with the more interventionist approach seen from Western powers.
We have not yet used our capabilities, and if the war continues, we will unveil capabilities that the enemy has no idea about.
Originally published by Tempo in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.