Chinese armed forces conducted secret training for approximately 200 Russian military personnel across multiple sites in China during late 2025. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7] The program included instruction in drones, electronic warfare, anti-drone defenses, army aviation, armored infantry tactics, explosives, mine clearance, and FPV drone simulators. [1, 2, 4, 6, 7]
Training took place in specific locations: Hebei Shijiazhuang focused on combined arms and drone mortar targeting; Henan Zhengzhou provided anti-drone defense skills using electronic rifles and net launchers; Sichuan Yibin offered FPV drone flight simulation and multimedia drone operation training; and Nanjing covered explosives, mine construction, clearance, unexploded ordnance, and IED removal. [1, 2, 4, 6, 7]
The Russian soldiers involved ranged in rank from corporal to lieutenant colonel, including instructors capable of passing down skills. [1, 2, 4, 6, 7] Around 50 troops trained in Hebei Shijiazhuang in December, focusing on 82mm mortars and drone target designation. [1, 2, 4, 7] The training agreement was signed July 2, 2025, in Beijing by senior Russian and Chinese officers, with secrecy clauses prohibiting public disclosure. [1, 2, 4, 6, 7] The deal also allowed for hundreds of Chinese soldiers to train at Russian military facilities. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7]
Some of the trained Russian soldiers have returned to Ukraine and participated in drone warfare operations in Russian-held Crimea and Zaporizhzhia regions. [1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7] European intelligence agencies noted the unprecedented nature of Russian troops training inside China, contrasting with previous Chinese training in Russia since at least 2024. [1, 2, 4, 6, 7]
An unnamed European intelligence official said, "Through tactical and operational training of Russian military personnel involved in the Ukraine conflict, China's direct involvement in this European war far exceeds previous public understanding." [2] China’s advanced drone industry and simulator-based training provided Russia with valuable technological know-how for the battlefield. [2, 4, 6, 7]
Despite these reports, Chinese and Russian defense ministries have not commented. The Chinese Foreign Ministry stated, "In the Ukraine crisis, China has always maintained an objective and just position, actively promoting peace talks, which is consistent and clear, witnessed by the international community. Relevant parties should not deliberately incite confrontation or shift responsibility." [1, 2]
Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Beijing May 19, 2026, for a state visit amid ongoing scrutiny of China's secret military training for Russian soldiers. [1, 6, 7]
