China warns of countermeasures if US imposes new tariffs over alleged Iran arms supply
via Punch Nigeria1 min read
China announced on Tuesday that it would implement "countermeasures" if US President Donald Trump proceeds with his threat to impose new tariffs. This threat follows reports alleging that Beijing has supplied or plans to supply weapons to Iran. President Trump stated on Sunday that he would levy a 50 percent tariff on Chinese goods if military assistance was provided to Tehran. This statement coincided with a CNN report, citing three individuals familiar with intelligence assessments, indicating that US intelligence suggested China was preparing to deliver new air defense systems to Iran in the coming weeks. Additionally, The New York Times reported over the weekend that US officials indicated intelligence suggested Beijing might have already sent a shipment of shoulder-fired missiles. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun dismissed these reports as "completely fabricated" during a press conference on Tuesday, adding that if the US uses this as a pretext for additional tariffs, China will take resolute countermeasures. China is a significant economic partner for Iran, purchasing most of its oil, but analysts often describe their relationship as transactional, lacking a formal military pact. China also maintains strong economic ties with Gulf countries and has criticized Iran's attacks on them during the war.
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