China Assures US It Will Not Arm Iran During Middle East Ceasefire
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that China has provided direct assurances to the United States that it will not supply weapons to Iran during the ongoing ceasefire in the Middle East conflict. This diplomatic development occurred as Washington intensified pressure on Tehran to accept a broader peace deal brokered by Pakistan. Hegseth revealed this information during a Pentagon briefing, citing direct communication between US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, who maintain a strong relationship. The assurance addresses heightened concerns in Washington regarding potential external military support for Iran during the fragile pause in hostilities. While the Chinese embassy in Washington declined to comment on specific communications between the two leaders, it reiterated Beijing's stance of acting prudently and responsibly regarding military exports. The embassy emphasized China's objective and impartial position, highlighting its efforts to promote peace talks. Meanwhile, senior US military officials warned that American forces in the region remain prepared to resume combat operations if negotiations fail. President Trump is scheduled to visit Beijing in mid-May to meet with President Xi, further underscoring the high-level diplomatic engagement surrounding the crisis.
Wire timeline
China Assures US It Will Not Arm Iran During Middle East Ceasefire
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that China has provided direct assurances to the United States that it will not supply weapons to Iran during the ongoing ceasefire in the Middle East conflict. This diplomatic development occurred as Washington intensified pressure on Tehran to accept a broader peace deal brokered by Pakistan. Hegseth revealed this information during a Pentagon briefing, citing direct communication between US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, who maintain a strong relationship. The assurance addresses heightened concerns in Washington regarding potential external military support for Iran during the fragile pause in hostilities. While the Chinese embassy in Washington declined to comment on specific communications between the two leaders, it reiterated Beijing's stance of acting prudently and responsibly regarding military exports. The embassy emphasized China's objective and impartial position, highlighting its efforts to promote peace talks. Meanwhile, senior US military officials warned that American forces in the region remain prepared to resume combat operations if negotiations fail. President Trump is scheduled to visit Beijing in mid-May to meet with President Xi, further underscoring the high-level diplomatic engagement surrounding the crisis.
News - South China Morning Post