Exiled Chinese democracy activist Sheng Xue has alleged that three Chinese technicians from the China Electronics Technology Group’s 14th Research Institute were killed in Iran during recent military strikes. According to her claims, the individuals included a senior director in his 50s and two others in their 40s. The institute, based in Nanjing, is a major center for China’s radar development and has contributed to key national defense and infrastructure projects. It is also reportedly involved in producing air defense radar systems supplied to Iran. The three technicians were said to be working on radar systems designed to detect advanced stealth aircraft such as the U.S. F-35.
Sheng also claimed that seven technicians from Chinese drone manufacturer DJI were killed in the same conflict. In addition, she alleged that between 300 and 400 Chinese experts and technical personnel are currently trapped in underground military facilities in Iran, with their status unknown. These claims suggest a potentially broader Chinese technical presence in Iran tied to defense and military-related projects.
Separately, former Shanghai entrepreneur Hu Liren has made similar claims on social media, stating that at least ten Chinese military experts have died in Iran and that Chinese authorities are attempting to conceal the information.
These reports remain unverified.
Source: Epoch Times, March 20, 2026
https://www.epochtimes.com/b5/26/3/19/n14723005.htm