Despite Trump's warning: 'China to transfer hundreds of shoulder-fired missiles to Iran - via Pakistan'
The US president threatened that if Beijing or Moscow sell weapons to Tehran 'it will be very bad for them,' but according to a Reuters report, China will transfer up to 400 short-range air defense…
Assessment
A reported arms deal between China and Iran tests the credibility of a recent U.S. threat, as the transfer of hundreds of short range air defense systems appears to proceed despite a direct warning from Washington. The denial from Beijing is flat, but the reported route through Pakistan and the specific timeline suggest more than rumor. The immediate question is whether the U.S. will follow through on its stated consequences or whether this marks a limit to American coercive power over both China and Iran.