China Denies Supplying Weapons for War to Iran
Beijing (ANTARA) - The Chinese government has affirmed that it is not supplying weapons for war to Iran, rendering US President Donald Trump’s threat to impose an additional 50% tariff on China inappropriate.
“China always acts prudently and responsibly in the export of military products, and implements strict controls in accordance with Chinese laws and regulations on export controls and applicable international obligations. Related media reports are entirely fabricated,” said Spokesperson of the Chinese Foreign Ministry Guo Jiakun during a press conference in Beijing on Tuesday (14/4).
Previously, it was reported that US President Donald Trump threatened to impose a 50% tariff on Chinese goods if it is proven that China is supplying weapons to Iran.
“If the US continues to raise tariffs against China based on these accusations, China will respond with retaliatory measures,” added Guo Jiakun.
Other reports indicate that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) will utilise new military capabilities if the war with the United States and Israel continues, according to Iranian media outlet Fars.
“We have not yet used our full capabilities, and if the war continues, we will reveal capabilities unknown to the enemy,” said IRGC Spokesperson Hossein Mohebbi.
Meanwhile, on Monday (13/4), Iran’s Defence Ministry Spokesperson Reza Talaeinik stated that the capabilities of Iran’s armed forces have increased, with sufficient missiles, drones, weapons, ammunition, and other military equipment to continue offensive and defensive operations in the future, according to the Iranian news agency IRNA.
The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz ordered by President Trump is also seen as worsening the situation and constituting a dangerous and irresponsible step.
“With the temporary ceasefire agreement still in effect, the US is increasing its military deployments and carrying out a targeted blockade, which will only worsen the confrontation, heighten tensions, undermine the already fragile ceasefire, and further endanger safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz,” stated Guo Jiakun.
China, according to Guo Jiakun, believes that only a complete ceasefire can fundamentally create conditions to de-escalate the situation.
“We urge the relevant parties to respect the ceasefire agreement, adhere to the direction of peaceful talks, and take concrete actions to de-escalate the situation so that normal traffic through the Strait can resume as soon as possible,” added Guo Jiakun.
The primary priority, added Guo Jiakun, is to prevent the recurrence of fighting by all means and to maintain the hard-won ceasefire momentum.
“The relevant parties must abide by the temporary ceasefire and continue efforts to resolve disputes through political and diplomatic means. China will continue to work with the international community for peace, bring the relevant parties to the negotiating table, and strive to restore peace and stability to the Middle East as soon as possible,” he stated.
The war involving Iran, the US, and Israel since 28 February 2026 has triggered a surge in global oil prices due to Tehran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
In addition to the surge in global oil prices, the war has killed more than 1,400 people and caused damage to Iranian facilities estimated at $270 billion or approximately Rp4.6 quadrillion.
Then, on 8 April 2026, the US and Iran reached a temporary ceasefire for two weeks, accompanied by peace negotiation efforts in Islamabad on 10 April 2026.
However, those negotiations failed to reach an agreement, with the issue of the Strait of Hormuz being one of the main points of contention.
As a result, on Sunday (12/4), the US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that it would begin blockading that maritime route on Monday (13/4) at 14:00 local time or 10:00 Eastern Time (21:00 WIB), implementing Trump’s directive.
The Strait of Hormuz is known to be the route for approximately 20% of the world’s supply of oil, petroleum products/crude oil, and liquefied natural gas (LNG).