A covert military training program for Russian forces in China last year received direct authorization from Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov and involved at least four high-ranking generals from both nations. The highly strategic exchanges highlight strengthening military ties between Moscow and Beijing, despite China’s continuous public claims of neutrality regarding the war in Ukraine.
An investigation into the cooperation noted that “a classified Russian document directly referred to an internal decree issued by Defence Minister Andrei Belousov in August, 2025,” according to Reuters.
This decree officially dispatched a delegation from the Russian armed forces to People’s Liberation Army facilities for specialized exercises.
The centerpiece of this initiative was a three-week training course held in Beijing in November, which focused specifically on radiological, chemical, and biological warfare protection. European officials warned that the involvement of senior commanders in such sensitive training underscores the growing importance of the bilateral military alliance.
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The leaked military records displayed images of Russian troops receiving lectures from Chinese instructors alongside a model nuclear reactor. The syllabus included comprehensive instruction on chemical and radiation reconnaissance, as well as methods for shielding ventilation systems against contamination.
The foundational agreement for the program was signed on July 2 by Russian Major General Rustam Khusainov and Chinese Senior Colonel Sun Dayun. The Russian delegation was led by Colonel General Rustam Muradov, deputy commander-in-chief of Russia’s land forces, with Russian Major General Vitaly Gerasimov and Chinese Major General Li Jinsun also participating in the joint courses.
Internal Russian evaluations of the program praised the high theoretical knowledge of the Chinese instructors and the advanced quality of their training simulators. However, the assessments specifically pointed out the Chinese military’s distinct lack of modern combat experience compared to Russian forces, who have been actively engaged in combat for several years.
Andrei Kartapolov, head of the Russian parliament’s defense committee, dismissed the revelations entirely, publicly claiming the Russian military has nothing to learn from China.
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The Chinese foreign ministry also firmly denied the reports, stating that the allegations are completely unfounded and reiterating its stance as a neutral peace mediator. Despite these denials, European intelligence agencies have corroborated the events.
European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas recently confirmed that Brussels had verified the military training took place and is currently weighing the geopolitical implications. European officials are increasingly urging the bloc to recognize China not just as an economic partner, but as a decisive enabler of the ongoing Russian war effort.
