Germany has described reports that Russian soldiers are being trained in China as 'deeply disturbing', in a sharp escalation of rhetoric over Beijing's military support for Moscow's war in Ukraine.
Germany's Strong Condemnation
In a statement on Friday, the German foreign ministry said it was 'deeply disturbed' by intelligence suggesting that Chinese military instructors are training Russian troops on Chinese soil. 'If confirmed, this would represent a significant and unacceptable escalation of China's support for Russia's illegal war of aggression,' a spokesperson said. Berlin called on Beijing to 'immediately cease any such activities and fully respect Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.'
Reports of Training
The allegations, first reported by the German daily Bild, claim that Chinese special forces have been training Russian soldiers in urban warfare and drone tactics at a facility in the Xinjiang region. The report, citing Western intelligence sources, said that several hundred Russian troops have been undergoing training since early 2025. Neither China nor Russia has commented on the claims.
Impact on Ukraine War
If verified, the training would mark a significant deepening of China's military involvement in the conflict. Western officials have long accused Beijing of providing diplomatic cover and economic support to Moscow, but direct military cooperation has been limited. 'This would be a game-changer,' a senior NATO diplomat told Reuters. 'It would show that China is no longer just a passive enabler but an active participant in Russia's war machine.'
China's Stance
China has consistently denied providing lethal aid to Russia and has called for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. However, it has also refused to condemn Moscow's invasion and has deepened trade ties, including purchases of Russian oil and gas. The Chinese foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the latest allegations.
International Reactions
The US State Department said it was 'deeply concerned' by the reports and warned of 'serious consequences' if confirmed. 'We are monitoring the situation closely and will coordinate with allies on an appropriate response,' a spokesperson said. Ukraine's foreign ministry called for an emergency UN Security Council meeting to discuss the allegations, describing them as 'a direct threat to global security.'
