China secretly trained around 200 Russian military personnel last year, some of whom later returned to fight in Ukraine, according to three European intelligence agencies and documents reviewed by Reuters.
The covert programme reportedly focused heavily on drone warfare and battlefield tactics, raising fresh questions over Beijing’s claim that it remains neutral in the Ukraine conflict.
Secret Military Training Agreement
According to a Russian-Chinese agreement signed in Beijing on July 2, 2025, Russian troops were trained at Chinese military facilities in Beijing, Nanjing and other locations.
The agreement reportedly outlined courses in drone operations, electronic warfare, army aviation and armoured infantry tactics.
The documents also stated that Chinese troops would receive training in Russia.
The programme was kept highly secretive. The agreement prohibited media coverage and instructed both sides not to inform third parties.
Drone Warfare At The Centre
European intelligence officials said much of the training focused on drones, now one of the most important weapons systems in the Ukraine war.
Russian troops reportedly trained on FPV drones, flight simulators, drone targeting systems and electronic warfare equipment designed to counter incoming drones.
One report described Russian soldiers using drones to identify mortar targets during combined-arms exercises at a Chinese military academy in Shijiazhuang.
Another detailed air defence training involving anti-drone rifles and net-launching devices.
Some Trainees Returned To Ukraine
One intelligence agency said it identified several Russian servicemen who trained in China and later took part in combat operations in occupied Crimea and the Zaporizhzhia region.
Those reportedly involved ranged in rank from junior sergeant to lieutenant colonel.
Officials said many of the trainees were military instructors capable of passing battlefield knowledge to larger units back in Russia.
Beijing Maintains Neutrality Claim
China has repeatedly insisted it is neutral in the Ukraine war and says it supports peace talks.
Responding to Reuters, China’s foreign ministry said Beijing had maintained an “objective and impartial stance” throughout the conflict.
“Relevant parties should not deliberately stoke confrontation or shift blame,” the ministry said.
Neither the Russian nor Chinese defence ministries responded to detailed questions about the programme.
Growing Russia-China Military Ties
The revelations come as Russian President Vladimir Putin visits Beijing for talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, days after Xi hosted U.S. President Donald Trump.
China and Russia declared a “no limits” partnership shortly before Moscow invaded Ukraine in 2022.
Since then, the two countries have expanded military cooperation, conducted joint exercises and deepened economic ties as Western sanctions isolated Moscow.
European officials say the new evidence suggests China’s involvement may now be extending beyond political and economic support into direct operational military assistance.
(with inputs from Reuters)
