The Chinese embassy in Washington denied CNN's claims that China plans to deliver air defense systems to Iran in the next few weeks.
“China has never supplied weapons to any of the parties to the conflict, and the information provided is false“, Liu Pengyu, spokesman for the Chinese diplomatic mission in the US, told TASS. He commented on the channel's report, which cited sources claiming that China is preparing to deliver portable anti-aircraft missile systems to Iran through third countries.
“China, as a responsible great power, fulfills its international obligations“, Liu Pengyu emphasized. “We urge the US side to refrain from baseless accusations, malicious speculation and sensationalism. We hope that the parties involved will make greater efforts to reduce tensions.“
On April 7, US President Donald Trump announced a two-week mutual ceasefire with Iran. According to him, the parties have resolved almost all outstanding issues, and Washington is considering Tehran's 10-point proposals as a “working basis“ for further negotiations. A senior US administration official said the decision was made based on Iran's readiness to open the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran, for its part, agreed to stop “defensive attacks” if the Islamic Republic is not attacked. Consultations involving US and Iranian delegations began in Pakistan on Saturday.