Key facts
- U.S. President Donald Trump dismissed a report that Iran obtained satellite images of a Jordanian base from Chinese entities.
- The report cited unnamed U.S. officials and concerned an attack that killed three U.S. troops in Jordan.
- Trump stated that China and the U.S. engage in similar surveillance activities.
- Trump indicated he has a good relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
- The Chinese and U.S. presidents are expected to meet on September 24.
U.S. President Donald Trump on September 13 dismissed a report that Iran acquired satellite images of a base in Jordan from Chinese entities before an attack that killed three U.S. troops there in July. The report, cited by The Wall Street Journal and unnamed U.S. officials, suggested the imagery was supplied to Iran by Chinese entities. Trump, speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, equated the surveillance activities of China and the United States, stating, "They basically do what we do." He added, "When they say China spies on us, I say you’re right and we spy on them too." The Chinese and U.S. presidents are expected to meet in the United States on September 24, though China has not officially confirmed the meeting. Trump reiterated his view of a good relationship with Xi Jinping, stating, "I think he’s behaved reasonably well, and we behave reasonably well." The Wall Street Journal report, which Reuters could not immediately verify, did not allege direct involvement by Beijing. Trump's comments align with his administration's efforts to downplay tensions with Beijing, despite U.S. frustration over China's close ties to Tehran. At least 18 U.S. service personnel have been killed since the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran began at the end of February.