San Antonio – President Donald Trump used a stop on Air Force One Sunday to confront a growing concern for national security: alleged Chinese assistance to Iran. When asked about a Wall Street Journal report that Chinese entities provided high‑resolution satellite imagery of Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan before Iran’s July 17 missile attack, the President said, “They basically do what we do. You know what they say? That China spies on us. I say you’re right, and we spy on them, too.”
Alleged Chinese imagery linked to deadly strike
The report claims Chinese firms supplied Iran with detailed pictures of the Jordanian base, enabling Tehran to target U.S. forces with precision. U.S. officials have tied the imagery to the strike that killed three American troops and wounded four others, describing it as the clearest evidence yet that foreign support can have lethal consequences for U.S. service members.
Trump’s response and upcoming summit
President Trump emphasized that the United States will not tolerate foreign powers that aid hostile actors. He also noted that the upcoming summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, scheduled for Sept. 24 in Washington, will address these concerns directly. While acknowledging the seriousness of the allegations, Trump described President Xi as having “behaved reasonably well” and said both nations have behaved responsibly overall.
Broader implications for U.S. security
U.S. officials continue to examine the extent of China’s involvement in Iran’s war effort. The satellite imagery, if confirmed, could have given Iranian forces precise knowledge of American troop locations and equipment, raising the risk of further precise attacks. The administration has not identified the specific Chinese entities nor accused the Chinese government of ordering the strike, but the incident adds another point of tension in U.S.–China relations.
Congressional and public reaction
Republican lawmakers have praised President Trump for calling out China’s covert actions and for promising a strong response. Critics, including some foreign‑policy analysts, argue that the administration should present more concrete evidence before escalating diplomatic pressure. Nonetheless, the President’s firm language reflects his longstanding stance on protecting American lives and sovereignty.
What’s next?
The Trump administration is expected to raise the issue directly with President Xi during the September summit, seeking assurances that China will not enable hostile actors against the United States. The meeting will also cover trade, technology, and broader strategic competition, but the satellite‑imagery allegation is likely to be a focal point for national‑security discussions.
As the United States confronts a complex global environment, President Trump’s willingness to call out foreign interference underscores his commitment to defending American service members and upholding the nation’s constitutional right to security.
Original reporting: KTSA News/Talk (San Antonio) — read the source article.
