China has rejected a Reuters report claiming it plans to supply hundreds of portable air-defence missile systems to Iran, while Pakistan has also denied reports suggesting it would facilitate the alleged shipments.
According to Reuters, citing sources familiar with the matter, Iran is reportedly considering the purchase of between 300 and 400 Chinese-made man-portable air-defence systems (MANPADS), including the QW-12 and FN-16 models, under a reported $70 million agreement. The report said the deal would reportedly be handled through a Hong Kong-based intermediary.
The report said the alleged move comes as Iran is reported to be seeking to strengthen its short-range air-defence capabilities following recent conflict with the United States and Israel, during which military facilities and infrastructure were targeted.
China’s Foreign Ministry denied the report, calling it “completely groundless” and reiterating that Beijing supports efforts to promote peace and end the conflict.
Reuters also reported that the proposed logistics route could involve shipments travelling from western China towards Iran via Pakistan. Pakistan’s military media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), rejected the claim, describing reports of its involvement as “false”.
The reported deal has not been independently verified, and no official confirmation has been issued by Iranian authorities. Military analysts say portable air-defence systems are widely used to defend against low-flying aircraft, helicopters and drones due to their mobility.
