Secret military documents have been disclosed revealing that Iran used a Chinese reconnaissance satellite to conduct precision strikes on US military bases during the US-Iran conflict. With evidence emerging of China's indirect support, observers suggest this could become a variable in the US-China summit scheduled for next month.
"Bought Satellite Control for $37 Million"... FT Obtains Secret Documents
According to the British Financial Times (FT) on the 15th (local time), Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps secured control of the Chinese commercial remote sensing satellite TEE-01B in September 2024 for 250 million yuan (approximately 54 billion won, or $37 million).
The satellite has a 0.5-meter resolution, making it approximately 10 times more precise than satellites Iran previously possessed. It is capable of accurately detecting changes in aircraft, vehicles, and facilities, and can reportedly identify not only the locations of US military assets but also specific aircraft types.
Notably, the control base is located on the Chinese mainland. Jim Lamson, a former CIA analyst, described this as "a dispersal strategy for space and aviation assets," noting that "control stations in Iran could be hit by missile strikes from thousands of kilometers away, but Chinese ground control stations in a third country cannot."
According to documents obtained by FT, the satellite photographed the Prince Sultan US Air Base in Saudi Arabia for three days starting March 13. Iran successfully struck US Air Force aircraft including aerial refueling tankers at the base on March 14. The satellite's surveillance procedures were also deployed before and after attacks on US military bases in Jordan and Bahrain.
FT reportedly sought comment from both the Chinese government and the US CIA, but neither provided any response. The Chinese Embassy in Washington separately told FT that it "firmly opposes spreading disinformation containing speculation and insinuations targeting China."
Repeated Detection of Chinese Support for Middle East... Could Affect US-China Summit
These documents emerged amid growing suspicions that China has been steadily supporting Middle Eastern forces hostile to the United States.
Recent reports have indicated signs that China was attempting to supply portable anti-aircraft missiles to Iran. Last year, claims also surfaced that China provided intelligence to Yemen's Houthi rebels to assist in attacks on US naval vessels in the Red Sea. Reports of China's direct and indirect involvement in Middle East conflicts continue to mount.
Meanwhile, President Trump is scheduled to visit China next month for a US-China summit. With tensions between the two nations escalating, if the issue of China's Middle East involvement comes to the negotiating table, it is expected to have significant impact on the atmosphere of the talks.
