1 Jul (Reuters) – Secret military training carried out by China with Russian forces last year was personally approved by President Vladimir Putin’s defense minister and directly involved at least four Russian and Chinese generals, according to two European officials and documents seen by Reuters.
Authorities said that the involvement of such high-ranking figures in training linked to the war in Ukraine signals the importance of this cooperation for Russia and China, which caused alarm in Europe, even though Beijing denied that this occurred.
A confidential Russian document seen by Reuters referred directly🏽 to an internal decree issued by Defense Minister Andrei Belousov in August 2025.
The document stated that, in accordance with a decision by Belousov, a delegation from the Russian Armed Forces traveled to China in order to participate in training exercises at People’s Liberation Army (PLA) facilities.
Training in radiological, biological and chemical warfare
The same report detailed one of the training courses — a three-week session focused on radiological, chemical and biological protection at a military installation in Beijing in November.
The report and a second document described and displayed images of Russian soldiers receiving instructions from a Chinese instructor, observing a model nuclear reactor and learning about “chemical reconnaissance,” “radiation reconnaissance” and protecting ventilation systems from contamination.
Continues after advertising
The inclusion of training in radiological, biological and chemical warfare highlighted the strategic nature of the exchanges, one of the European officials said, noting that the topic was particularly sensitive for the armed forces in general.
The defense ministries of Russia and China did not respond to requests for comment for this story.
China’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement that its position on the Ukraine crisis remains consistent.
Continues after advertising
“The allegations in question are completely unfounded,” he added, referring to the details contained in this report.
Beijing claims to be neutral in Russia’s war against Ukraine and presents itself as a peace mediator.
According to a Reuters report last month, citing European intelligence agencies and military documents, China in November trained around 200 Russian military personnel, some of whom have since joined the war in Ukraine.
Continues after advertising
The Kremlin declined to comment on this report, but complained about “false information” published in the West.
European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said on June 15 that Brussels had confirmed through its own channels that the training had taken place and was now assessing the implications.
Beijing described her comments as “nothing but slander.”
Continues after advertising
