China denies talks to sell CM-302 anti-ship missiles to Iran

China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Mao Ning, has formally rejected claims that Beijing is in discussions to sell CM-302 anti-ship missiles to Iran’s Armed Forces. The allegation, first carried by Reuters shortly before the US-led Operation Epic Fury targeting the theocratic regime in Tehran, triggered serious concern about the potential danger such missiles could pose to Washington’s naval forces in the region-especially the aircraft carriers that anchor the Carrier Strike Groups deployed there.

Mao Ning: Beijing is a “responsible country” and rejects “malicious associations”

Building on Mao Ning’s remarks, she described the report as entirely untrue and reiterated that Beijing’s stance is that of a “responsible country” which meets its international obligations and does not fuel conflict through actions of this kind. She also said the Chinese government “opposes malicious associations” and the “exaggeration of reality caused by propaganda,” adding that China’s primary hope is for the relevant parties to identify ways to reduce tensions.

Reuters report cited six sources and alleged a Chinese visit by Iran’s deputy defence minister

It is worth noting that the initial report referenced up to six sources in support of the claim that negotiations over CM-302 anti-ship missiles were taking place. This included several Iranian officials said to be familiar with the issue, although they could not provide specifics on how many missiles might be purchased or what delivery timetable would apply.

Those same accounts also stated that a delegation led by Deputy Defence Minister Massoud Oraei had travelled to China to push the talks forward, and that the negotiations were believed to have started roughly two years ago.

Talks reportedly sped up after the June Iran–Israel war, but their status is uncertain

The alleged discussions were also said to have intensified in particular after the war fought in June between Iran and Israel, which highlighted Tehran’s limited ability to counter naval deployments in nearby waters. Even so, it remains unclear whether the regional escalation following Operation Epic Fury affected matters to such an extent that any negotiations should now be viewed as paused or abandoned entirely-assuming they took place at all.

CM-302 and HQ-9 claims, plus interest in Russian S-400s after “Midnight Hammer” and “Rising Lion”

Lastly, it should be remembered that Beijing and Tehran were reportedly not only discussing the possible transfer of CM-302 anti-ship missiles, but also HQ-9 air defence systems intended to strengthen responses to potential attacks-capabilities said to have been significantly reduced after the “Midnight Hammer” and “Rising Lion” operations conducted by Israeli and US forces.

In addition, the theocratic regime was also aiming to proceed with the procurement of new Russian-made S-400 systems in “significant quantities,” underlining its broader efforts to deepen ties with Washington’s principal geopolitical rivals even months before the latest conflict.

Images used for illustrative purposes

You may also like: A U.S. Navy nuclear submarine attacked and sank an Iranian frigate in the Indian Ocean