China’s aid to Iran exposes Axis of Autocracies

Published April 18, 2026 5:00am ET



President Donald Trump has warned China not to supply Iran with new air defense systems. His admonition is recognition of the undeniable fact that an Axis of Autocracies seeks to overthrow the U.S.-led world order.

China planned to supply air defense systems to Iran during the recent two-week ceasefire, according to U.S. intelligence reports. On April 11, Trump said China would face “big problems” if it did.

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