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Story summary
- On April 11, 2026, U.S. intelligence said China plans to deliver man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS) to Iran via third countries.
- The Chinese Embassy denied the claims as baseless.
- The potential delivery could strengthen Iran's military, especially against U.S. drones.
- The development complicates U.S. diplomacy ahead of the U.S. President Donald Trump–Xi summit on May 14–15, 2026.
- If evidence emerges, it could trigger mandatory sanctions under U.S. law.
