Trump Says China Spies on US, Adds ‘We Spy on Them Too’ After Iran Satellite Report
US president says Washington and Beijing conduct intelligence operations against each other as he prepares for talks with the Chinese leader.
WASHINGTON, Sept 14: US President Donald Trump said he plans to discuss “almost everything” with Chinese President Xi Jinping during his expected visit to the United States on September 24, while downplaying reports that Chinese entities provided Iran with satellite imagery of a US military facility in Jordan.
“China spies on us and we spy on them too,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One while returning to the United States after a weekend trip to Ireland.
“They basically do what we do,” he said when asked about a Wall Street Journal report alleging that Iran obtained satellite images of the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan from Chinese entities before an Iranian attack in July.
The July 17 missile strike on the base, which hosts US military personnel, killed three US Army soldiers.
Trump was asked whether he would raise the reported transfer of imagery with Xi during their anticipated meeting. Rather than directly confirming whether the matter would be discussed, he compared Chinese intelligence activities with those carried out by Washington.
The Wall Street Journal report, citing unnamed US officials, said the Chinese entities allegedly involved in providing the imagery had not been identified. The officials did not claim that the Chinese government itself had directed or participated in the transfer.
According to the report, Chinese officials asked Washington to provide evidence when US officials raised concerns about the alleged transfer. Beijing also did not acknowledge that Chinese companies had supplied satellite imagery to Iran.
Trump’s remarks come as Washington and Beijing prepare for talks covering a wide range of economic, trade and geopolitical issues. The proposed September 24 meeting has not yet been officially confirmed by China.
The US president has repeatedly described his relationship with Xi as positive. Asked about the Chinese leader on Sunday, Trump again adopted a measured tone, saying he believed Xi had behaved reasonably and that the United States had done the same.
Trump has previously warned China against providing military-related assistance to Iran. In May, the United States imposed sanctions on three China-based satellite companies, accusing them of supporting Iran’s military activities.
China remains a major economic partner of Iran and purchases a substantial portion of the country’s oil exports. Beijing also maintains close diplomatic relations with Tehran.
Despite differences involving Iran and other geopolitical issues, Trump indicated that he wants to maintain a broader focus in his upcoming engagement with Xi.
“We’ll discuss almost everything with Xi Jinping during his visit,” Trump said.
