China on Tuesday warned it would take “resolute countermeasures” if the United States proceeds with additional tariffs over allegations that Beijing is supplying military products to Iran, rejecting the claims as “completely fabricated.”
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun told a regular press briefing that China maintains a “prudent and responsible” policy on military exports and strictly regulates them under domestic laws and international obligations.
His remarks came after media reports cited US President Donald Trump as threatening to impose tariffs of up to 50 percent on Chinese goods if Washington determines that China is providing weapons to Iran.
“China has always exercised strict control over the export of military products,” Guo said, adding that allegations of Chinese military assistance to Iran are “groundless.”
The exchange marks a further escalation in tensions between the world’s two largest economies, with trade and security issues increasingly overlapping in bilateral disputes. Analysts say such tariff threats could deepen existing frictions and potentially disrupt global supply chains already strained by geopolitical uncertainty.
There has been no immediate response from Washington to Beijing’s latest remarks. However, US officials have repeatedly expressed concerns over alleged military cooperation between countries viewed as strategic competitors.
China has consistently denied such accusations, maintaining that its defense exports comply with international norms and are not directed at fueling regional conflicts.