# China‑Iran MANPADS procurement talks

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/chinairan-manpads-procurement-talks
> Updated: 2026-08-05T07:39:40.000Z. Sources: 89. Developments: 3.

In late July 2026, reports suggested Iran would receive 300‑400 Chinese‑made portable air‑defence missile launchers (MANPADS), including the QW‑12 and FN‑16, via a Hong Kong intermediary with shipments routed through Pakistan. Both China’s foreign ministry and Pakistan’s army denied any involvement.

A few days later, Chinese officials again rejected the allegations, while German media published Iranian military documents outlining a plan to purchase 250 QW‑12 systems and send technicians to China for training. U.S. intelligence warned of a possible transfer, and former President Donald Trump publicly cautioned China against the sale.

On 2 August 2026, China reiterated its denial of supplying MANPADS to Iran. The same German‑obtained documents, dated March 2026, were described by Western intelligence as credible but unverified, and no independent evidence of deliveries emerged.

On 5 August 2026, reports surfaced of a contract worth about $70 million, brokered through Hong Kong‑based Zhongqing Baoshang International Investment, to deliver hundreds of QW‑12 and FN‑16 launchers to Iran. Chinese officials again called the reports “groundless,” while U.S. officials and Trump warned of serious repercussions. The alleged deal remains unverified and a source of diplomatic tension ahead of upcoming high‑level meetings.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-05: China approves $70 million Manpad sale to Iran

China approves a $70 million sale of man‑portable air‑defence missiles to Iran, sparking U.S. criticism, while the Iran conflict leaves nearly 700 U.S. troops with traumatic brain injuries.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/china-approves-70-million-manpad-sale-to-iran

### 2026-08-02: China denies supplying MANPADS to Iran as documents suggest a QW-12 deal

China denies a reported MANPADS sale to Iran, while German media cite Iranian documents showing a planned QW‑12 purchase and training, amid U.S. warnings of proliferation.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/china-denies-supplying-manpads-to-iran-as-documents-suggest-a-qw-12-deal

### 2026-07-29: Iran to receive up to 400 Chinese MANPADS in weeks, sources say

Iran is set to receive 300‑400 Chinese MANPADS (QW‑12, FN‑16) worth $60‑70 million within weeks via Hong‑Kong broker Zhongqing Baoshang; China and Pakistan deny the shipment.

85 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/iran-to-receive-up-to-400-chinese-made-shoulderfired-airdefence-missiles-in-weeks

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Cite as: China‑Iran MANPADS procurement talks. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/chinairan-manpads-procurement-talks