US Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen urged President Donald Trump to challenge Chinese President Xi Jinping at this week’s summit over Beijing’s backing of Iran, citing reports that Chinese firms are aiding Tehran economically and militarily.
In a Senate speech, Shaheen noted that Iran obtained high-resolution satellite imagery of a Jordanian base from Chinese entities before launching a missile attack that killed three American soldiers and wounded four others.
She emphasized that roughly 90% of Iran’s oil exports go to China, providing “billions of dollars of revenue” and a “critical economic lifeline.”
Shaheen also stated that Chinese and Hong Kong companies supplied components used in Iranian ballistic missiles and drones.
She urged Trump to “use his leverage” with Xi to stop Chinese firms from providing satellite imagery, missile and drone parts, and access to markets for sanctioned Iranian oil.
“If we want to bring this war to an end, we need to cut off the outside support that allows Iran to keep fighting, and that starts with China,” she said.
Shaheen called for the administration to enforce sanctions against Chinese entities helping Iran, adding that “if China doesn’t stop, Congress should impose additional consequences.”
She further suggested Trump consider using authorities in recently enacted Russian sanctions legislation against Chinese purchasers of Russian energy, arguing that China was “the top funder of the war in Ukraine, as well as being one of the top funders of the war in Iran.”
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