China spies on us, we spy on China too: Trump after Iran satellite images report
The comments followed a report that Iran obtained satellite images of the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan from Chinese entities before the missile strike on July 17.
- Sep 14, 2026,
- Updated Sep 14, 2026 9:08 AM IST
US President Donald Trump said that China spies on the US, and the US spies on China as well. He downplayed reports that Chinese entities supplied Iran with satellite images of a US military base in Jordan before an Iranian missile strike in July that killed three US soldiers.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday while returning from Ireland, Trump said he would discuss "almost everything" with Chinese President Xi Jinping during Xi's expected visit to the US on September 24. When asked if he would raise the report with Xi, Trump did not give a direct answer but compared Chinese surveillance to US activities, saying, "They basically do what we do. When they say China spies on us, I say you're right and we spy on them too."
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The comments followed a Wall Street Journal report that Iran obtained satellite images of the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan from Chinese entities before the missile strike on July 17. The base houses US forces, and the attack killed three US Army soldiers. The report cited unnamed US officials and said the Chinese entities involved were not identified. It did not allege direct involvement by the Chinese government.
According to the report, Chinese officials asked the US for evidence of the transfer when the issue was raised. Chinese officials also denied that Chinese companies supplied satellite imagery to Tehran.
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Trump's remarks came ahead of his expected meeting with Xi, as Washington and Beijing seek to manage economic, trade, and geopolitical tensions. The meeting is expected in the US on September 24, though China has not officially confirmed the visit.
On Sunday, Trump said he had a good relationship with Xi and struck a conciliatory tone, stating, "I think he's behaved reasonably well, and we behave reasonably well." Trump has previously warned Beijing against selling weapons to Iran. In May, the US imposed sanctions on three China-based satellite companies, accusing them of aiding Iran's military operations.
US President Donald Trump said that China spies on the US, and the US spies on China as well. He downplayed reports that Chinese entities supplied Iran with satellite images of a US military base in Jordan before an Iranian missile strike in July that killed three US soldiers.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday while returning from Ireland, Trump said he would discuss "almost everything" with Chinese President Xi Jinping during Xi's expected visit to the US on September 24. When asked if he would raise the report with Xi, Trump did not give a direct answer but compared Chinese surveillance to US activities, saying, "They basically do what we do. When they say China spies on us, I say you're right and we spy on them too."
MUST READ | Trump says the US could just decide to stay in Iran and ‘keep the oil’ like Venezuela
The comments followed a Wall Street Journal report that Iran obtained satellite images of the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan from Chinese entities before the missile strike on July 17. The base houses US forces, and the attack killed three US Army soldiers. The report cited unnamed US officials and said the Chinese entities involved were not identified. It did not allege direct involvement by the Chinese government.
According to the report, Chinese officials asked the US for evidence of the transfer when the issue was raised. Chinese officials also denied that Chinese companies supplied satellite imagery to Tehran.
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Trump's remarks came ahead of his expected meeting with Xi, as Washington and Beijing seek to manage economic, trade, and geopolitical tensions. The meeting is expected in the US on September 24, though China has not officially confirmed the visit.
On Sunday, Trump said he had a good relationship with Xi and struck a conciliatory tone, stating, "I think he's behaved reasonably well, and we behave reasonably well." Trump has previously warned Beijing against selling weapons to Iran. In May, the US imposed sanctions on three China-based satellite companies, accusing them of aiding Iran's military operations.