ארה"ב בוחנת האם סין מספקת נשק לאיראן, טראמפ מאיים במכסים גבוהים

Washington is closely watching whether Beijing is supplying weapons to Iran. This follows media reports citing U.S. intelligence saying it may be happening. On Sunday, President Trump warned he would impose a 50 percent tariff on any country, including China, if it does so. The reports are testing U.S.-China relations as a Trump-Xi summit draws closer. NTD's Flora Hua breaks down the high-stakes developments involving Washington, China has not provided direct military assistance to Iran since the conflict began. President Trump is urging Beijing to keep it that way. Trump's warning follows a CNN report citing U.S. intelligence. It says China is preparing to ship Iran additional air defense systems in the coming weeks. The shipments reportedly include shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missiles known as MANPADS. In a Fox News interview Sunday, the president said he had seen the reports and warned of serious consequences for any country involved. But he also questioned the accuracy of the reporting. I doubt they would do that because I have a relationship, but maybe they did a little bit at the beginning, but I don't think they would anymore. No, but if we catch them doing that, they get a 50% tariff, which is a staggering, that's a staggering amount. The CNN report added that Beijing is seeking to transship the defense supplies through third countries to conceal their origin. Zooming out, Iranian forces have used MANPADS targeting U.S. aircraft. President Trump said an F-15 fighter jet was hit by a hand-to-shoulder missile fired by Iranian forces. It remains unclear whether that weapon was made in China. But the Chinese weapons described in the report are similar to those used in such attacks. U.S. and European officials have accused Beijing for providing Iran with dual-use equipment, items meant for civilian use but that can also be adapted for military purposes. President Trump is scheduled to meet Xi Jinping next month to discuss economic and geopolitical issues.