Is China Helping To Deliver MANPADS Air Defence Systems To Iran ? US Intelligence Reports

Washington: According to CNN, within the next few weeks it’s likely to witness that China delivers a new air defence system to Iran as per the US intelligence assessments. 

The development comes as China itself chooses to support efforts to broker a fragile ceasefire by admitting it publically. Also at a time when US President Donald Trump is scheduled to hold a visit to China with Chinese President Xi Jinping. 

Speculations are made that Iran may be using the ceasefire period to rebuild parts of its air defence network with assistance from key partners, in spite of ongoing international scrutiny. 

According to CNN citing sources, there are possibilities that China is attempting to route the shipments via third countries in order to conceal its identity. The systems under discussion are shoulder-fired anti-air missiles known as MANPADS, which have created disaster in the five-week conflict. 

Officials say that they could again create havoc if the ceasefire breaks down. However, a spokesperson from the Chinese embassy in Washington has rejected any such claims. 

However, the direct transfer of weapons systems by Chinese state would represent significant amount of highher level involvement in the midst of Xi Jinping preparing to meet Trump in next month.

The White House has said that diplomatic contact bwteen US and Chinese officials has conitinued even as ceasefire negotiations involving Iran are underway.

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