President Trump dismissed a Wall Street Journal report that Chinese entities supplied Iran with satellite imagery of a Jordan base before a July attack that killed three U.S. troops. He compared Chinese surveillance to U.S. activities and did not say whether he would raise the matter with Xi Jinping. China rejected the allegations and Reuters could not immediately verify the Journal's account. The episode comes amid broader U.S.-China tensions and concerns over Beijing's ties to Tehran.
Trump Shrugs Off Report That Chinese Firms Supplied Iran With Imagery Before Deadly Jordan Strike
U.S. President Donald Trump looks on, at Shannon Airport in Ireland, September 13, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper
President Donald Trump on Sept. 13 downplayed a Wall Street Journal report that said Chinese entities provided satellite imagery to Iran of a Jordanian base before a July attack that killed three U.S. troops.
The Journal cited unnamed U.S. officials for the account; Reuters said it could not immediately verify the report. When reporters asked whether he would raise the matter with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Trump avoided a direct answer and instead compared Beijing's surveillance to U.S. intelligence activities.
"They basically do what we do," he told reporters aboard Air Force One. "When they say China spies on us, I say you're right and we spy on them too."
The two presidents are expected to meet in the United States on Sept. 24, though Beijing has not formally confirmed the meeting. Trump reiterated that he believes he has a good relationship with Xi, saying the two leaders have "behaved reasonably well" toward each other.
China Denies Allegations; U.S. Officials Provide Limited Detail
China's foreign ministry rejected the allegations on Monday, saying Beijing has "consistently and strictly fulfilled its international obligations" and opposing "unfounded suspicions and accusations made without evidence," spokesperson Guo Jiakun said at a regular briefing.
The Wall Street Journal report said U.S. officials declined to identify the Chinese entities it cited and did not allege direct involvement by the Chinese government. U.S. officials have expressed frustration over Beijing's ties to Tehran, yet the Trump administration has, in public remarks, sought to avoid inflaming tensions with China.
At least 18 U.S. service members have been killed since the broader U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran began in late February, including the three who died in the July strike in Jordan.
Reporting: Bo Erickson and David Brunnstrom; Additional reporting by Joe Cash in Beijing. Editing: Lincoln Feast.
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