U.S. intelligence suggests that China is preparing to deliver man-portable air-defense systems (MANPADS) to Iran within weeks, according to three sources familiar with the assessment cited by CNN. 

MANPADS are shoulder-fired missiles designed to target low-flying aircraft. Sources cited by CNN said that any shipments to Iran may be routed through third countries in an effort to obscure their origin.

The New York Times reported that there is no evidence Chinese-origin missiles have been used in combat against American or Israeli troops to date.

China’s embassy in Washington dismissed the allegations as untrue, saying, “China has never provided weapons to any party in this conflict.” The embassy also urged Washington to avoid inflammatory claims, saying it hoped “relevant parties will do more to help de-escalate tensions.”

President Donald Trump, speaking on Fox Business’ Sunday Morning Futures, warned that countries supplying military equipment to Iran could face a 50% tariff on U.S. imports.

“If we catch them doing that, they get a 50 percent tariff,” Trump said. “That’s staggering.”

Trump, however, said he does not think China would take such action: “I doubt they would do that because I have a relationship and I think they wouldn’t.”

The intelligence surfaced days after Beijing said it helped broker the U.S.-Iran ceasefire. 

Trump is expected to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping next month. The meeting was initially planned for late March but postponed amid the ongoing conflict.

In a related development, U.S. intelligence reported last month that Russia has been assisting Iran with intelligence on U.S. forces in the Middle East, along with providing advanced drone technology. U.S. and European allies, including the United Kingdom, have also warned of what they describe as growing military cooperation between Moscow and Tehran.