Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov personally approved covert military training of Russian forces in China last year, according to two European officials and classified documents seen by Reuters. The training involved at least four Russian and Chinese generals, signaling deepening military cooperation between Moscow and Beijing despite China's claims of neutrality in the Ukraine war.
High-Level Approval and Training Details
A classified Russian document directly referred to an internal decree issued by Belousov in August 2025, authorizing a delegation from Russia's armed forces to travel to China for training exercises at People's Liberation Army (PLA) facilities. The training included a three-week session on radiological, chemical and biological protection at a military facility in Beijing in November 2025.
Images from the report showed Russian soldiers being lectured by a Chinese instructor, examining a model nuclear reactor, and learning about chemical reconnaissance, radiation reconnaissance, and protecting ventilation systems from contamination. One European official noted that the inclusion of radiological, biological and chemical warfare training underlined the strategic nature of the exchanges, as such topics are particularly sensitive for militaries.
Official Responses and Denials
Russia's defense ministry did not respond to requests for comment. China's foreign ministry stated that its stance on the Ukraine crisis had remained consistent, calling the allegations "entirely unfounded." Beijing maintains it is neutral in the conflict and presents itself as a peace mediator. The Kremlin declined to comment on a previous Reuters report about the training, complaining 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 took place and was assessing implications. Beijing dismissed her comments as "nothing but smears."
EU Response and Concerns
European powers, which have viewed Russia as their main security threat since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, are increasingly alarmed by growing ties between Moscow and Beijing. The EU has already imposed sanctions on Chinese companies that it says support Russia's war effort. A third official in Brussels told Reuters the bloc must stop viewing China primarily through an economic lens and focus on what Kallas called its role as a "decisive enabler of Russia's war."
Both European officials identified the signatories of a July 2 agreement underpinning the training as Russian Major General Rustam Khusainov and Chinese Senior Colonel Sun Dayun. Andrei Kartapolov, a senior Russian lawmaker heading the parliament's defense committee, called the report "complete nonsense" and claimed Russia's military had nothing to learn from China.
Training Assessments and Participants
Internal Russian military reports noted strengths and weaknesses in the training. A report on training in Nanjing praised the standard of equipment, use of simulators, and instructors' high theoretical knowledge, while specifically noting China's lack of combat experience. Russia has accrued extensive experience in more than four years of combat in Ukraine, while China has not fought a war in decades.
A Russian military document listed every participant in all courses, including senior officers, providing rank, date of birth, affiliation, and security clearance level. Colonel General Rustam Muradov, deputy commander-in-chief of Russia's land forces, led the Russian delegation. Chinese Major General Li Jinsun, head of the PLA's Military Academy of Radiological, Chemical and Biological Defence, took part in the opening of one course. Russian Major General Vitaly Gerasimov also participated in a course in Bengbu.
