China has rejected reports that Chinese entities supplied Iran with satellite images of a US military base in Jordan before and after an Iranian missile strike that killed three American soldiers.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun described the allegations as “groundless,” saying Beijing opposed accusations made without evidence. 

The reports, attributed to The Wall Street Journal, concerned an Iranian missile attack on Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan on July 17. The facility hosts US military personnel.

Three US Army soldiers were killed in the attack.

The newspaper had cited unnamed American officials who said Chinese entities provided Tehran with satellite imagery of the base. However, the officials did not identify the Chinese entities allegedly involved and did not directly accuse the Chinese government of supplying the information.

According to the report, US officials had sought clarification from Chinese authorities over the alleged transfer of satellite imagery. Chinese officials reportedly demanded evidence of the transfer and declined to acknowledge that Chinese companies had provided Tehran with the images.

Speaking at a regular press briefing on Monday, Guo said China firmly opposed what he described as unfounded suspicion and accusations.

“We firmly oppose groundless suspicion and accusations without evidence,” he said.

The allegations come amid heightened tensions between Washington and Beijing and could further complicate relations between the two countries.

US President Donald Trump had earlier downplayed the report, saying China spies on the United States while the US also conducts intelligence activities against China. 

The controversy comes ahead of a planned visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to the White House on September 24.

The alleged transfer of satellite imagery has also raised questions about the extent of Chinese support for Iran during the ongoing regional conflict, although Beijing has denied involvement in providing the intelligence reportedly used ahead of the deadly strike.