U.S. intelligence says China is preparing to supply Iran with air defense systems in the coming weeks.

Axar.az reports, citing CNN, the systems in question are MANPADS—shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missiles that pose an asymmetric threat to low-flying aircraft.

The systems were used during the recent five-week conflict and could again become significant if the ceasefire collapses.

It is stated that the shipments would likely be routed through third countries in order to conceal their origin.

The report notes that the move would come despite Beijing’s public statement that it has not supplied weapons to any party in the conflict and that it helped facilitate a fragile ceasefire agreement between Iran and the United States earlier this week.

It is also noted that Chinese companies have continued to supply Iran with sanctioned dual-use technologies, while a direct transfer of weapons systems would represent a significant escalation in China’s support for Tehran.