Germany has requested urgent talks with China's ambassador following reports that Chinese authorities trained Russian soldiers, adding fresh strain to relations between Beijing and Europe amid the war in Ukraine.

According to Reuters, the training programme was personally authorised by Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov and involved senior military officials from both countries. Documents reviewed by Reuters described Russian personnel attending courses at Chinese military facilities, including training related to radiological, chemical and biological protection.

German officials signalled that any support helping Moscow sustain its war effort is a matter of direct concern for Europe.

“Anything that enables Russia to continue its war of aggression against Ukraine also threatens our security,” a German foreign ministry source said.

“Consequently, China’s decisive and growing support for Russia’s brutal war of aggression directly impacts our security.”

The development comes as European governments continue to scrutinise China's relationship with Russia, particularly its economic and diplomatic backing of Moscow since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022.

China denies allegations

China has repeatedly rejected claims that it is providing military assistance to Russia.

Following the Reuters report, China's foreign ministry described the allegations surrounding the training programme as “entirely unfounded” and reiterated Beijing's position that it remains neutral in the conflict.

• No experience needed: Russia advertises drone defence jobs in Moscow
• EU tells Armenia 'you can count on us' as Russia keeps up economic pressure

Chinese officials have consistently portrayed Beijing as a potential mediator in the war while maintaining close economic ties with Moscow. Western governments, however, have increasingly questioned that neutrality, citing China's trade links with Russia and concerns over support for Russia's defence industry.

Growing European unease

The allegations have emerged at a sensitive moment in EU-China relations.

European officials have become increasingly vocal about what they see as China's role in helping Russia withstand Western sanctions and maintain its military capabilities.

The issue has already featured prominently in discussions among EU policymakers, who have warned that Chinese support for Russia carries broader implications for European security.

The EU has previously accused China of supplying dual-use goods and technologies that could be used by Russia's military, although Beijing has denied providing weapons to either side in the conflict.

Background: China and the Ukraine war

Since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine, China has sought to position itself publicly as a neutral actor advocating dialogue and peace negotiations. Reports throughout the war have highlighted how Beijing has avoided directly condemning Russia's invasion while simultaneously deepening economic cooperation with Moscow and criticising Western sanctions.

• Wang Yi's Nordic tour signals China's push to strengthen European ties
• Xi arrives in North Korea as China seeks closer ties with Pyongyang

Reuters has reported repeatedly that China and Russia have strengthened their strategic partnership since the war began, with trade between the two countries reaching record levels and cooperation expanding across energy, technology and defence-related sectors.

The latest allegations, if substantiated, would represent one of the clearest examples yet of military cooperation linked to the war in Ukraine.

Diplomatic fallout possible

Germany's decision to summon China's ambassador underscores the seriousness with which Berlin views the reports.

While no immediate diplomatic measures have been announced, the talks are expected to place additional pressure on Beijing as European governments seek clarification over its relationship with Moscow.

With the war in Ukraine continuing into its fifth year, concerns over foreign support for Russia remain a key issue for European leaders, and the allegations of military training are likely to intensify scrutiny of China's role in the conflict.

Tags

News United States China Ukraine Russia Germany European Union