WEB DESK: China conducted covert military training for Russian troops last year with high-level approval from Moscow, including sessions on radiological, biological and chemical protection, according to European officials and classified documents.
The training, which has raised alarm in European capitals, was personally approved by Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov and involved senior generals from both countries, two European officials told Reuters.
A classified Russian document referred to an internal decree issued by Belousov in August 2025 that authorised a delegation of Russian armed forces to travel to China for exercises at People’s Liberation Army facilities.
Sensitive Warfare Training
One three-week course held in Beijing in November focused on radiological, chemical and biological protection. Documents seen by Reuters included images of Russian soldiers being instructed by Chinese officers on topics such as chemical and radiation reconnaissance, protection of ventilation systems from contamination, and examination of a model nuclear reactor.
The strategic nature of the exchanges, particularly the inclusion of such sensitive topics, underscored their importance to both Russia and China amid the ongoing war in Ukraine, one official noted. Beijing has consistently denied providing any military support to Moscow and maintains it is neutral in the conflict.
EU Weighs Response
European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas confirmed the training through EU channels and said the bloc was assessing its implications. The EU has already sanctioned Chinese companies accused of supporting Russia’s war effort and is now debating whether to take further measures against Beijing, despite its importance as a major trade partner.
Russian and Chinese defence ministries did not respond to requests for comment. A senior Russian lawmaker dismissed the reports as “complete nonsense”, while internal Russian assessments noted China’s lack of recent combat experience despite its advanced equipment and theoretical knowledge.
Documents also identified key participants, including Russian Colonel General Rustam Muradov, who led the delegation, and several other generals. China has rejected European criticism as unfounded smears.
