China denies arms sales to Iran, warns US of countermeasures

China's foreign ministry has denied accusations that Beijing is providing military support to Iran, calling media reports on the matter "purely fabricated" and warning of countermeasures if the United States raises tariffs on the basis of such claims.

"China always acts prudently and responsibly on the export of military products, and exercises strict control in accordance with China's laws and regulations and due international obligations," foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying wrote on X on April 14. "If the US goes ahead with the tariff hikes on China on the basis of these accusations, China will respond with countermeasures."

The statement comes after CNN reported on April 13, citing US intelligence assessments, that China was preparing to deliver new air defence systems to Iran within weeks, including man-portable air defence systems (MANPADS).

President Donald Trump responded by threatening 50% tariffs on Chinese goods, telling Fox News that while he had not confirmed the reports, the US would act if the shipments went ahead.

China has walked a careful line during the conflict. Beijing is Iran's largest oil customer, having purchased more than 80% of Tehran's sanctioned crude exports in 2025. Chinese-flagged tankers have been among the few vessels permitted to transit the Strait of Hormuz since its near-total closure.

At the same time, China has publicly called for a negotiated end to the war.

A foreign ministry spokesperson said on April 8 that Beijing had been making efforts to promote peace talks, following New York Times reporting that China had pressed Iran to accept the ceasefire.