Trump dismisses controversy over allegations of China aiding Iran, saying "We spy on China too."

[Financial News] U.S. President Donald Trump, who invited Chinese President Xi Jinping on the upcoming 24th (local time), responded to allegations of China assisting Iran by saying it was no big deal. Regarding media reports that Iran received satellite photos of U.S. military bases from China, Trump stated that the U.S. is also spying on China.
According to foreign media outlets including Agence France-Presse (AFP), Trump met with reporters on his private plane en route from Ireland to the United States on the 13th (local time). Regarding a report by The Wall Street Journal this month, he stated, "If people say that China spies on us, I say they are right, but we also spy on them," adding, "That is what we do, and they are basically just doing what we do."
Earlier, on the 11th, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing U.S. officials, that Iran obtained high-resolution satellite images of the U.S. military base from a Chinese private company prior to its attack on Jordan's Mwafaq Salti Air Base on July 17. At the time, Iranian ballistic missiles struck quarters at the base, killing three U.S. soldiers and injuring four. It is reported that Iran acquired additional satellite images even after the attack. The U.S. confirmed these circumstances and raised the issue with China, but China denied the allegations, claiming there was no evidence. The Wall Street Journal explained that no evidence of direct involvement by the Chinese government had been confirmed.
The Trump administration already sanctioned three Chinese companies, including MizarVision, EarthEye, and Chang Guang Satellite Technology Co., last May for providing, collecting, or disclosing satellite images that could be used to attack U.S. forces in Iran.
However, Trump appears to be trying to avoid friction with China ahead of Xi Jinping's visit to the U.S. this month. In an announcement on the 4th, Trump stated that Xi Jinping "is coming on September 24. We are looking forward to it. He is a great gentleman." Furthermore, Trump claimed, "We get along very well. We have a very good trade relationship. They are competitors, but we have a good relationship." On the 13th as well, Trump remarked regarding Xi Jinping, "He is acting quite reasonably, and we are acting quite reasonably as well."
Chinese state-run media have not yet officially announced Xi Jinping's schedule for his visit to the United States. However, foreign media reported on the 4th, citing two officials, that Xi Jinping is taking a large delegation of Chinese business leaders with him to the event on the 24th. This marks the first time in approximately 11 years that Xi Jinping has traveled to the U.S. with business leaders. In an interview with Fox News on the 11th, Trump also stated, "If China wants to come to the U.S. and open a factory to make cars, I am fine with that." He emphasized job creation within the U.S., adding, "Japan does that and employs our people. The most important thing is that it employs our people."
Former U.S. President Joe Biden, Trump's predecessor, imposed 100% retaliatory tariffs targeting Chinese electric vehicles in 2024. In addition to this, the Biden administration effectively banned the production and sales of Chinese automobile companies within the United States through various regulations.
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