The Wall Street Journal reports that Iranian customs data show about 1,300 shipments of Chinese dual-use components to Iran’s Defense Ministry this year through June, including electronics, motors, GPS equipment and aircraft parts that can be used in drones and missiles.

Shipments accelerated after the U.S. blockaded Iranian sea trade, with sanctioned Iranian airline Mahan Air sharply increasing cargo flights from China.

Chinese companies have also supplied chemicals used in ballistic-missile production, while U.S. officials have sanctioned Chinese and Hong Kong entities accused of helping Iran obtain weapons and military technology.

Despite this, the Trump administration has largely avoided directly confronting Beijing. Trump has said he trusts Xi and questioned how much China is enabling Iran, while officials have played down Chinese assistance ahead of Trump’s summit with Xi.

China denies improperly supporting Iran’s war effort, saying it follows international rules, regulates dual-use exports and opposes unilateral U.S. sanctions.

Source: WSJ