China on Friday dismissed media reports alleging that its leading semiconductor firm had supplied chipmaking tools to Iran, calling the claims inaccurate and misleading.
The report, citing unnamed officials from the administration of US President Donald Trump, alleged that Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation began sending equipment to Iran about a year ago. It further claimed there was no indication the transfers had stopped.
However, responding to the allegations at a regular briefing in Beijing, foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said he was not familiar with the specific situation. Nevertheless, he strongly criticised recent media coverage, stating that some reports “seem right but instead are wrong.”
Moreover, Lin added that, after verification, such reports were found to be “false information,” although he did not provide further details or evidence to support the claim. Meanwhile, SMIC did not respond to requests for comment regarding the allegations.
China remains a key partner of Iran but has not announced any direct military support during the ongoing conflict triggered by US-Israeli strikes on February 28. Instead, Beijing has consistently called for restraint and a ceasefire.
At the same time, China has taken a nuanced stance on the conflict. While it condemned the killing of Iran’s supreme leader, it also stated that it does not support Tehran’s retaliatory strikes on Gulf countries hosting US military bases.
In addition, China’s top diplomat Wang Yi held a phone call with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, urging all sides to seize opportunities for peace and initiate dialogue.
Overall, Beijing’s response underscores its effort to balance strategic ties with Iran while projecting a position that favours de-escalation and diplomatic engagement.
