Trump Warns of ‘Big Problems’ if China Supplies Weapons to Iran

US President Donald Trump threatened Beijing with severe consequences following intelligence reports that China is preparing to deliver air defense systems to Tehran during the ceasefire. Make us preferred on Google Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied US President Donald Trump gestures upon arrival at Miami International Airport, on April 11, 2026. (Photo by Jim WATSON / AFP) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google US President Donald Trump warned on Sunday, April 12, that China will face “big problems” if it proceeds with plans to ship weaponry to Iran, CNN reported. Speaking to reporters as he departed the White House for Florida, Trump reacted to recent reports regarding Beijing’s military cooperation with Tehran. “If China does that, China will have big problems, OK?” the US President stated. Trump declined to specify whether he had discussed the matter directly with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, whom he is scheduled to meet early next month. Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . The warning follows a major intelligence disclosure on Saturday, which indicated that China may be preparing to deliver advanced air defense systems to Iran within weeks. According to three sources familiar with the assessments, Tehran is likely using the current two-week ceasefire to replenish its arsenal. Intelligence suggests that Beijing is attempting to organize the delivery of man-portable air-defense systems (MANPADS) through third-party countries to maintain plausible deniability. While Chinese firms have previously supplied dual-use technologies, such as AI-driven navigation systems , the direct provision of lethal hardware would represent a significant escalation. The Chinese Embassy in Washington has dismissed the allegations as “groundless,” maintaining that Beijing remains a neutral party in the conflict that began on Feb. 28. However, US officials remain wary, especially after Russia and China recently vetoed a UN Security Council resolution aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Other Topics of Interest US-Iran Peace Talks End Without Agreement as Vance Issues ‘Final Offer’ Following 21 hours of marathon negotiations in Islamabad, Vance announced a deadlock over Iran’s nuclear program, while Trump claimed a deal “makes no difference” As the April 22 ceasefire deadline approaches, the potential influx of Chinese MANPADS could shift the tactical balance on the ground , further complicating the “decisive” but currently deadlocked peace talks in Islamabad . Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization since 1995. Its international market reach of 97% outside of Ukraine makes it truly Ukraine’s Global – and most reliable – Voice.