Classified Russian military documents reviewed by Reuters and information provided by European officials suggest that China conducted covert military training for Russian armed forces in 2025 with the approval of Russia's Defence Minister Andrei Belousov . The reported training, which allegedly involved senior military officers from both countries, has raised concerns in Europe over the deepening military cooperation between Moscow and Beijing.
China has denied the allegations, describing them as “entirely unfounded”, while the Kremlin has previously dismissed similar reports as false information.
Classified documents detail military training
According to the Reuters report, a classified Russian document refers to an internal decree issued by Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov in August 2025 authorising a delegation of Russian military personnel to travel to China for training at facilities operated by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).
The report states that one of the training programmes lasted three weeks and was conducted in Beijing in November 2025. The course reportedly focused on radiological, chemical and biological (RCB) protection and included classroom instruction and practical demonstrations.
Documents reviewed by Reuters reportedly contained photographs of Russian soldiers attending lectures by Chinese instructors, examining a model nuclear reactor and receiving training in chemical reconnaissance, radiation reconnaissance and contamination protection procedures.
Senior military officials allegedly involved
Two European officials told Reuters that at least four senior Russian and Chinese military officers were directly involved in organising or participating in the training, highlighting its strategic importance.
The report identifies Russian Major General Rustam Khusainov and Chinese Senior Colonel Sun Dayun as signatories to a July 2 agreement underpinning the training programme.
It also states that Colonel General Rustam Muradov, deputy commander-in-chief of Russia’s land forces, led the Russian delegation, while Chinese Major General Li Jinsun, head of the PLA’s Military Academy of Radiological, Chemical and Biological Defence, participated in the opening of one of the courses.
Russian Major General Vitaly Gerasimov was also listed as one of the participants, according to documents cited by Reuters.
Europe expresses concern
European officials quoted by Reuters said the alleged cooperation demonstrates an increasingly close military relationship between Russia and China during the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The inclusion of radiological, biological and chemical warfare training was described by one European official as particularly significant because of the sensitive nature of such military capabilities.
European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said in June that the EU had independently confirmed that the training had taken place and was assessing its implications for European security.
The report notes that discussions are continuing within the European Union over whether additional measures should be taken in response, particularly as China remains one of the bloc’s largest trading partners.
China rejects allegations
China’s Foreign Ministry rejected the Reuters report, stating that its position on the Ukraine conflict has remained consistent.
In a statement, Beijing described the allegations as “entirely unfounded” and reiterated that it considers itself neutral in the Russia-Ukraine conflict while supporting efforts aimed at achieving peace.
The Russian Defence Ministry did not respond to Reuters’ request for comment, while the Kremlin had earlier rejected similar reports and accused Western media of spreading false information.
Russian lawmaker Andrei Kartapolov also dismissed the report, claiming that Russia’s military had nothing to learn from China.
Documents highlight strengths and weaknesses
Reuters reported that internal Russian military assessments praised the quality of Chinese military equipment, instructors and simulation facilities used during the training.
However, the documents also reportedly noted China’s limited combat experience, contrasting it with Russia’s battlefield experience gained during more than four years of fighting in Ukraine.
The reported findings reflect both the benefits and limitations identified by Russian military personnel during the exchange programme.
Conclusion
The Reuters investigation has added fresh scrutiny to military cooperation between Russia and China at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions. While European officials say the reported training underscores growing strategic ties between the two countries, both Beijing and Moscow have rejected the allegations. The reported documents are likely to fuel further debate within the European Union over its security and diplomatic approach towards China.