President Donald Trump on Sunday warned that China could face steep economic penalties if it is found supplying weapons to Iran, linking potential military support to trade consequences as tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate.
In an interview on Sunday Morning Futures, Trump responded to a question from host Maria Bartiromo about whether his earlier tariff threats would apply to Beijing.
“Yes, and other people, but yes, China too,” Trump replied.
He pointed to intelligence reports suggesting China may have provided shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missiles to Iran, while casting doubt on their accuracy. “I hear news reports about China giving the shoulder missiles — what’s called a shoulder missile, anti-aircraft missile,” he said. “I doubt they would do that because I have a relationship and I think they wouldn’t do that, but maybe they did a little bit at the beginning, but I don’t think they would anymore, no. But if we catch them doing that, they get a 50% tariff, which is a staggering—that’s a staggering amount.”
Trump said any country found arming Iran would face massive consequences, identifying a proposed 50% tariff on imports to the United States as a central deterrent. He again cited his personal relationship with Chinese leadership as a factor he believes could discourage such activity, while making clear that confirmed transfers would trigger immediate action.
The comments come amid reports of possible Chinese shipments of air-defense systems to Iran, as the U.S. expands its military posture in the region. Trump recently announced on Truth Social that the United States would impose a naval blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route. In that post, he said U.S. Navy forces would intercept vessels attempting to pay Iranian tolls in Chinese yuan or cryptocurrency and would work to clear mines placed in the waterway.
Trump has also described Iran’s air defense systems as weakened following recent U.S. operations, though the campaign has not been without losses. One American F-15E Strike Eagle was reportedly shot down by Iranian defenses, while additional aircraft losses were attributed to non-combat incidents, including engagement by Kuwaiti systems and a tanker crash.
The tariff warning fits into a broader effort by the administration to increase pressure on Tehran through both economic and military means. Vice President JD Vance has said recent negotiations with Iran failed to produce an agreement after extended talks.
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