Russia and China conduct secret joint military training in Beijing

European officials say China covertly trained Russian forces in Beijing last year, a program approved by Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov. Documents viewed by Reuters show an internal decree from August 2025 authorising a delegation of Russian troops to attend a three‑week course on radiological, chemical and biological protection, with at least four senior Russian and Chinese generals overseeing the exercises. Around 200 Russian soldiers were taught how to conduct chemical reconnaissance, radiation monitoring and ventilation‑system protection, and were shown a model nuclear reactor.

China’s foreign ministry rejected the allegations, calling them “entirely unfounded,” while EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas warned that Beijing is acting as a “decisive enabler of Russia’s war” and said the bloc is assessing possible responses. Both Moscow and Beijing have declined to comment further on the reports.

The disclosed cooperation has heightened European concerns about the deepening military ties between Moscow and Beijing amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.