Is China Using Ceasefire Pause to Rearm Iran?

New questions are emerging in Washington about whether China may be providing support to Iran during the current pause in fighting linked to ceasefire efforts in the region.

Donald Trump said in a Truth Social post that Xi Jinping assured him China is not supplying weapons to Iran. However, media reports citing U.S. intelligence assessments have suggested China may have been preparing shipments of shoulder-fired rockets to Tehran.

Officials say such weapons could pose risks to aircraft operating in the region, following the recent downing of a U.S. fighter jet over Iran during the conflict.

At the same time, tensions remain tied to energy access, as China has been affected by the U.S. naval blockade limiting shipments of Iranian oil. One Chinese tanker was reportedly turned away under the enforcement measures.

The developments come ahead of a planned meeting between Presidents Trump and Xi in Beijing next month, where Iran, regional security, and maritime access through the Strait of Hormuz are expected to be key topics of discussion.