Germany Summons China Ambassador Over Secret Russian Military Training

The German Foreign Ministry summoned the Chinese ambassador in Berlin on July 4, 2026, describing reports of China training Russian soldiers as deeply disturbing. The ministry stated that any support enabling Russia to continue its war of aggression against Ukraine represents a threat to German security.

Leaked documents and European intelligence indicate that the People's Liberation Army secretly trained approximately 200 Russian personnel in 2025. The operation was personally approved by Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov through an August 2025 decree. Training occurred at facilities in Beijing, Nanjing, and Bengbu, including a three-week November course in Beijing focused on radiological, chemical, and biological warfare protection. Some of these trainees were later deployed to the conflict in Ukraine.

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas confirmed that Brussels independently verified the training, characterizing China as a decisive enabler of Russia's war. While the EU is assessing potential responses, it is balancing these measures against its economic ties with China.

The Government of China and the Kremlin have dismissed the allegations. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian called the reports smears with no factual basis, while Russian lawmaker Andrei Kartapolov described them as complete nonsense. China maintains it has not provided lethal weapons to either party and remains neutral in the conflict.