Trump Accuses China of Spying on U.S. Amid Iran Missile Attack Report

President Donald Trump asserted on Sunday that China engages in espionage against the United States, just as the U.S. conducts surveillance on China. His comments came in response to a Wall Street Journal report indicating that Chinese entities provided Iran with high-resolution satellite imagery prior to a missile attack that resulted in the deaths of three U.S. troops.

While speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump addressed the report, stating, "They basically do what we do." He was asked whether he would discuss the issue with Chinese President Xi Jinping during his upcoming visit to the U.S. Trump noted that Xi has "behaved reasonably well" and added, "We behave reasonably well."

The report from the Wall Street Journal linked the Chinese imagery to Iran's missile strike on the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan on July 17. U.S. officials described this as the clearest evidence to date of Chinese support for Iran, which has had fatal consequences for American forces.

Trump Highlights U.S.-China Espionage Dynamics

Trump's remarks underscore the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and China, particularly regarding espionage and military actions in the Middle East. He emphasized that both nations engage in surveillance activities, stating, "You know what they say? That China spies on us. I say you're right, and we spy on them, too."

Cleared to File

Chinese President Xi Jinping is scheduled to visit Washington on September 24 for a summit with Trump, where these issues may be further discussed. The U.S. officials did not disclose the identities of the Chinese entities involved in the satellite imagery provision or accuse Beijing of direct involvement in the missile attack.

The White House has not yet commented on Trump's statements or the implications of the report linking Chinese support to Iranian military actions.