Iran Turns to China for Missile Boost

Iran Turns to China for Missile Boost

NEWSWEEK -Aug16h2015

Anew report from Israeli media has warned of increased military cooperation between Iran and China, particularly in the production of surface-to-surface missiles.

Yedioth Ahronoth cited intelligence findings that Beijing may be helping Tehran rebuild missile capabilities damaged in the recent June war.

The concerns surfaced as Israel’s military chief, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, said the army is ready to launch further strikes on Iran if necessary, following what he described as a successful preemptive campaign.

Newsweek has reached out to the foreign ministries of Israel, China and Iran for comment.

Why It Matters

The reported cooperation between Beijing and Tehran is viewed by Israel as a significant security challenge. Israel fought a 12-day, United States-backed war against Iran in June and is now watching for any moves that could restore Iran’s missile capacity. Israeli authorities have stated that Chinese involvement in missile development or supply could directly undermine Israel’s defense efforts.

What To Know

Officials told Yedioth Ahronoth that China has not confirmed any plans to supply weapons to Iran, but its actions suggest it is “actually rebuilding the Iranian capabilities.” The outlet reported that European intelligence agencies have recently tracked closer cooperation between China and Iran.

Israel’s ambassador to the U.S., Yechiel Leiter, said in late July that there were “troubling” indications China was aiding Iran in rebuilding its missile arsenal. Speaking to Voice of America, he expressed concern over the possible transfer of materials that could “reconstitute a ballistic missile program.”

Last month, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi visited China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit, highlighting Tehran’s growing ties with Beijing. Around that time, reports from Middle East Eye and Israel Hayom indicated Iran received Chinese-made surface-to-air missiles paid for in oil.