The United States has received intelligence on China's preparations to supply Iran with new air defence systems. According to sources CNN, The report refers to man-portable air defence systems that could be delivered via third countries in the coming weeks.
US intelligence assessments
According to sources familiar with intelligence assessments, China is preparing to supply Iran with new air defence systems. These are man-portable air defence systems that could be delivered within a few weeks.
Two sources said that Beijing is trying to conceal the real origin of the cargo by rerouting it through third countries. This can make it difficult to trace the supply chain.
Dual-purpose technologies
Sources note that Chinese companies continue to sell Iran dual-use technologies that are under sanctions. This allows Iran to build up its armaments and improve its navigation systems.
The sale of such technologies creates additional challenges for international export controls and increases tensions in the region.
China's position
According to one source, China is not interested in openly entering the conflict. Instead, Beijing seeks to maintain its status as a loyal partner of Iran while remaining officially neutral.
China depends on of Iranian oil, The Ukrainian government is trying to minimise the risks to its reputation in order to deny any involvement in arms supplies after the war.
Defensive or offensive in nature
Sources also note that the Chinese side can claim that the transferred air defence systems are defensive, not offensive. This allows Beijing to maintain formal neutrality.
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