Summary
- New reports based on European intelligence sources and leaked documents have claimed that senior Russian officials approved military training programmes involving Russian personnel at Chinese military facilities during 2025, highlighting the growing defence cooperation between Moscow and Beijing.
- According to the reports, the training activities were authorised at the highest levels of the Russian defence establishment and involved the participation of senior military officers from both countries.
- Russian officials also denied the reports, with senior lawmakers dismissing suggestions that the Russian military required such assistance from China.
New reports based on European intelligence sources and leaked documents have claimed that senior Russian officials approved military training programmes involving Russian personnel at Chinese military facilities during 2025, highlighting the growing defence cooperation between Moscow and Beijing.
According to the reports, the training activities were authorised at the highest levels of the Russian defence establishment and involved the participation of senior military officers from both countries.
Documents reviewed by investigators reportedly indicate that the approval for the exchanges came directly from Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov, underlining the strategic significance attached to the programme by Moscow.
The reported training sessions took place at facilities operated by the People’s Liberation Army and included specialised military courses for Russian personnel.
One of the programmes allegedly focused on radiological, biological and chemical defence measures, including protection procedures, reconnaissance techniques and responses to contamination threats.
Documents reportedly showed Russian officers attending lectures by Chinese military instructors and receiving training on equipment and emergency response systems related to chemical and nuclear safety operations.
European officials said the involvement of senior generals from both countries demonstrates the increasing depth of military cooperation between Russia and China at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions.
The reports have raised concerns among European governments, particularly because some of the training is believed to be linked to military lessons drawn from the conflict in Ukraine.
However, both countries have pushed back against the allegations.
China’s Foreign Ministry rejected the claims and described the reports as baseless, reiterating Beijing’s position that it remains neutral regarding the conflict in Ukraine and continues to support diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving peace.
Russian officials also denied the reports, with senior lawmakers dismissing suggestions that the Russian military required such assistance from China.
The developments have intensified debate within the European Union over how to respond to the expanding strategic partnership between Moscow and Beijing.
European leaders have increasingly expressed concerns about China’s role in supporting Russia’s defence and industrial sectors during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The European Union has already imposed sanctions on several Chinese companies accused of assisting Russia’s war effort and is reportedly reviewing additional measures.
Analysts believe the reported military cooperation reflects broader efforts by Russia and China to deepen their strategic ties in response to growing tensions with Western countries.
Despite their expanding partnership, some military assessments reportedly noted that while China possesses advanced technology and modern equipment, it lacks the recent battlefield experience gained by Russian forces during years of fighting in Ukraine
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