BEIJING: China on Friday dismissed media report alleging that its leading semiconductor firm had supplied chip making tools to Iran, calling the claims “false information” amid rising geopolitical tensions.
Read More: US alleged China firm sent chip tools to Iran
The report, citing unnamed officials from the administration of Donald Trump, claimed that Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation had been sending equipment to Iran for about a year, with no indication the activity had stopped. The allegations raised concerns about potential sanctions violations and Beijing’s role in the ongoing Middle East conflict.
In response to a question for comment on a Reuters report citing US officials and claiming that Chinese chipmaker SMIC has sent chipmaking tools to Iran’s military, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Friday that he is not familiar with the situation mentioned… pic.twitter.com/cKSKQ7WXuY
— Global Times (@globaltimesnews) March 27, 2026
Responding to the claims at a regular briefing, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said he was not familiar with the specific situation but criticised media outlets for publishing misleading reports. He stated that, upon verification, such reports had been found to be inaccurate, though he did not provide further details.
China, a key economic partner of Iran, has maintained a cautious stance on the conflict triggered by US-Israeli strikes on February 28. While Beijing has condemned the reported killing of Ali Khamenei, it has also distanced itself from Iran’s retaliatory actions against Gulf states hosting US bases.
Meanwhile, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi reiterated calls for de-escalation, urging all sides to seize opportunities for dialogue and begin peace talks. In a recent phone call with Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Wang emphasised the need for diplomatic solutions to the crisis.
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The semiconductor firm at the centre of the allegations has not publicly responded. Analysts say the dispute could further strain already tense relations between Washington and Beijing, particularly in the sensitive technology and security sectors.