China's covert military training of Russian forces last year was personally approved by Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov and directly involved at least four Russian and Chinese generals, according to two European officials and classified documents seen by Reuters. The involvement of such high-ranking individuals in training linked to the Ukraine war signalled the importance of this cooperation, which has caused alarm in Europe even as Beijing has denied it took place.
Approval by Defense Minister Belousov
A classified Russian document seen by Reuters directly referred to an internal decree issued by Belousov in August 2025. It stated that, in accordance with his decision, a delegation from Russia's armed forces traveled to China to participate in training exercises at People's Liberation Army (PLA) facilities. The training included a three-week session focused on radiological, chemical, and biological protection at a military facility in Beijing in November.
Training Details and Strategic Nature
The report and a second one described and displayed images of Russian soldiers being lectured by a Chinese instructor, looking at a model nuclear reactor, and being taught about "chemical reconnaissance," "radiation reconnaissance," and protecting ventilation systems from contamination. One European official said the inclusion of radiological, biological, and chemical warfare training underlined the strategic nature of the exchanges, noting that the topic is particularly sensitive for militaries in general.
The defense ministries of Russia and China did not respond to requests for comment. China's foreign ministry stated that its stance on the Ukraine crisis has remained consistent, calling the allegations "entirely unfounded." Beijing says it is neutral in Russia's war with Ukraine and presents itself as a peace mediator.
Previous Reports and EU Response
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. The Kremlin declined to comment 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 smears."
EU Pondering Further Measures
European powers, which have viewed Russia as their main security threat since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, have watched warily as ties have grown closer between Moscow and Beijing. For the 27-member bloc, discussion behind closed doors centers around whether further measures are needed in response to the training, given the trade priorities that traditionally shape the relationship with China. 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 had to stop viewing China primarily through an economic lens, but focus on what Kallas called its role as a "decisive enabler of Russia's war."
Signatories and Participants
Both European officials, who asked not to be named because of the sensitivity of the information, 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 lawmaker who heads the Russian parliament's defense committee, told Russia's RTVI outlet that the report about the training was "complete nonsense" and that Russia's military had nothing to learn from China.
China's Lack of Combat Experience Noted
Russia has accrued extensive experience in more than four years of combat in Ukraine, while China, with a vast and technologically advanced military, has not fought a war in decades. Internal Russian military reports seen by Reuters noted strengths and weaknesses in the training. One report on the training in Nanjing praised the standard of equipment, the use of simulators, and the instructors' high theoretical knowledge while specifically noting China's lack of combat experience.
Generals Involved
Other documents named three generals who took part. One Russian military document seen by Reuters listed the names of every participant in all courses, including senior officers, providing rank, date of birth, affiliation, and level of security clearance. 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 took part in a course in Bengbu.
