BEIJING — China has rejected media reports claiming it plans to supply Iran with hundreds of Chinese-made shoulder-fired air-defense missile systems, calling the reports "not true" and without any factual basis.
Speaking at a regular press briefing in Beijing on Thursday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said the reports were "groundless" and stressed that China has consistently worked to promote peace and de-escalation. She said Beijing has made its position on such issues clear on multiple occasions.
China has denied reports that Iran will receive up to 400 Chinese-made shoulder-fired air-defense missile launchers. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning called the claim "not true" and said it has "no factual basis," adding that China supports peace and an end to the conflict. pic.twitter.com/LYnHql6OkK
— The Defense News (@TheDefenseNews) July 30, 2026
The denial follows a Reuters report published on July 29, which cited three unnamed sources claiming that Iran was expected to receive an initial shipment of up to 400 Chinese-made man-portable air-defense systems (MANPADS), including the QW-12 and FN-16 models. The report said the alleged contract covered 300 to 400 systems and was valued at $60 million to $70 million.
According to the report, the alleged deal involved Zhongqing Baoshang International Investment, a Hong Kong-based intermediary, with shipments reportedly planned from Urumqi in western China through Pakistan before reaching Iran. Reuters noted that delivery schedules, quantities, and other details could still change.
Pakistan also denied the claims. The country's military media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), described reports that Pakistani territory would be used as a transit route as "absolutely concocted and false" and "devoid of truth."
The reported purchase emerged amid Iran's efforts to strengthen its short-range air-defense capabilities following months of conflict involving the United States and Israel. However, both China and Pakistan have publicly stated that no such arms transfer is taking place.
China has also previously said it strictly controls military exports in accordance with its laws and international obligations, while reiterating its support for regional stability and efforts to reduce tensions.
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