Even as Chinese President Xi Jinping put forward a four-point plan for peace in West Asia, China warned the US not to impose tariffs based on what it called “fabricated reports” that Beijing is supplying weapons to Iran.
China’s reaction came just a day after US President Donald Trump indicated he would impose a 50 percent tariff if it is proved that China is arming Iran.
Trump’s remarks came in response to a report by the New York Times, which said that US intelligence agencies have information that China, in recent weeks, “may have sent a shipment of shoulder-fired missiles to Iran for its conflict with the United States and Israel”.
Responding to the developments, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun Tuesday called the reports “purely fabricated.”
“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. Media reports accusing China of providing military support to Iran are purely fabricated,” he said in his weekly press conference.
He added, “If the U.S. goes ahead with the tariff hikes on China on the basis of these accusations, China will respond with countermeasures.”