Russia and China are continuing to expand defence cooperation through new military training programmes, according to a report by Reuters citing European sources.

The report claimed that Russian military personnel took part in various training activities in China during 2025, with approval from Russia’s Defence Ministry. The alleged programmes reportedly focused on radiation, chemical and biological defence, as well as other specialised military fields.

Training sessions were said to have taken place at facilities of the People’s Liberation Army, combining both theoretical instruction and practical exercises.

China’s Foreign Ministry rejected the claims, saying Beijing’s position on the Ukraine crisis remains unchanged and describing the allegations as “completely unfounded.” The ministry reiterated that China continues to support dialogue and a political solution to the conflict.

Russian authorities did not directly comment on the report, but have previously dismissed similar Western media claims as misinformation. Andrey Kartapolov, head of the Russian parliament’s defence committee, also rejected the allegations, saying the Russian military has extensive combat experience and does not rely on such programmes.

The Reuters report also said European Union officials are closely monitoring growing military contacts between Moscow and Beijing, expressing concern over the deepening defence relationship. China, however, has described such assessments as “smear campaigns.”

Analysts say Russia and China’s expanding military training and technical exchanges are part of a broader strategic partnership that has strengthened in recent years, combining Moscow’s battlefield experience with China’s advanced military technology.

Both Moscow and Beijing maintain that their defence cooperation complies with international law and is not directed against third countries.(ILKHA)