Following Israel's airstrike on Iran, cargo planes departing from China have been captured flying near Iranian airspace, raising suspicions that China has secretly provided weapons to its ally Iran.
On the 17th (local time), the British daily Telegraph reported that three cargo planes departing from Shanghai and coastal cities in China took off for three consecutive days, with Luxembourg indicated as their destination on flight plans, but they did not actually approach European airspace. According to aviation data, the planes moved westward along northern China and then disappeared from radar near Iran after flying over Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan.
All aircraft were Boeing 747 freighters, commonly used for transporting military equipment and weapons. Aviation experts explained that there have been many instances where this type was utilized for transporting strategic goods as part of government contracts.
China and Iran have established a strategic partnership in opposition to the U.S.-led international order. Iran is a key energy supplier that exports up to 2 million barrels of crude oil to China daily. There is a growing likelihood that China may unofficially support Iran, given that worsening instability in the Middle East could directly impact China's energy security and economic interests.
Andrea Ghiselli, a professor at Exeter University, noted, "There is clearly a sentiment within Iran expecting support from China," and added, "The collapse of the Iranian regime could lead to instability throughout the Middle East, jeopardizing China's interests."
On the other hand, there are analyses suggesting that the likelihood of China publicly supporting Iran with military equipment is low. Tobia Gering, a researcher at the Israel Institute for National Security Studies, stated, "The possibility of China sending defense supplies to Tehran is still low, but it is not a matter to be ruled out, and close monitoring is necessary."
In fact, despite international criticism, China has a history of exporting thousands of tons of materials that could be used for the development of ballistic missiles to Iran. According to cases detected by European authorities, there are indications that drone components were concealed as wind turbine parts or that attempts were made to conduct weapon transactions through shell companies.
CargoLux, the Luxembourg company operating the transport aircraft, explained that its flights do not use Iranian airspace, but declined to comment on the cargo loaded. Some of the planes were later observed taking off again near the Iran-Turkmenistan border before heading on a route to Luxembourg.
There is no obligation to disclose cargo details, and since special cargo or hazardous materials also rely on operator reporting, there can be discrepancies with the actual contents, raising suspicions that this transport may not be simple commercial logistics.