Berlin: Germany has held urgent talks with a senior Chinese diplomatic representative following reports that China provided military training to Russian soldiers involved in the war in Ukraine. The development has raised fresh concerns in Europe about the growing defence relationship between Beijing and Moscow.
The German Foreign Ministry said it called in the Chinese ambassador for discussions after reports emerged about possible military cooperation between China and Russia. German officials made it clear that any support that strengthens Russia's ability to continue the war in Ukraine has direct consequences for the security of Germany and the rest of Europe.
The concerns follow reports that Russian military personnel received training at facilities in China. According to information reported by international media, several hundred Russian soldiers may have taken part in training programmes covering areas such as drone operations and electronic warfare. Some of the personnel who received the training were reportedly later sent to the battlefield in Ukraine.
The reports have also pointed to military training in the opposite direction. Chinese personnel are said to have received training in Russia in areas such as artillery operations, armoured warfare and air defence. This has increased concerns that military cooperation between the two countries may be deeper and more organised than previously understood.
A separate investigation reported that a secret military training programme between Russia and China had been approved at senior levels. The programme reportedly involved high ranking officers from both countries and included specialised areas such as protection and reconnaissance related to radiological, biological and chemical warfare threats.
These claims have attracted serious attention across Europe because China has repeatedly presented itself as neutral in the Ukraine conflict. Beijing has called for peace talks and has said that it does not provide weapons to any party involved in the war. China has also rejected accusations that it is directly helping Russia's military campaign.
However, European governments have become increasingly concerned about China's close relationship with Russia. Trade between the two countries has expanded, while diplomatic and military contacts have also increased. Western governments have accused some Chinese companies of supplying Russia with goods and technologies that can have both civilian and military uses.
The European Union has also expressed concern over reports of military training between China and Russia. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said earlier that the bloc had verified reports suggesting that Chinese military personnel had trained Russian forces for the Ukraine war. European officials are now examining what such cooperation could mean for regional security.
China has strongly rejected the accusations and described some of the claims as false and damaging. Beijing continues to say that its relationship with Moscow is based on normal cooperation between two major countries and is not directed against any third country.
For Germany, the latest reports come at a sensitive time. Berlin has strong economic links with China, but security concerns have increasingly influenced the relationship. Germany has been trying to reduce its dependence on China in important economic sectors while maintaining trade relations with one of its largest business partners.
The reported training programmes could add new pressure on Germany and other European countries to take a tougher approach towards Beijing. European governments are already working to prevent Russia from obtaining advanced technology and equipment that could support its military operations.
Experts say the reported cooperation could benefit both Russia and China in different ways. Russia has gained extensive battlefield experience during the war in Ukraine, particularly in the use of drones, electronic warfare and modern artillery tactics. China, meanwhile, has advanced military technology and a large armed force but has limited experience in recent large scale combat operations.
Western governments are closely watching the possibility that the two countries are sharing knowledge and training personnel. Any deeper military partnership between Moscow and Beijing could have consequences beyond the war in Ukraine and influence the wider global security situation.
Germany's urgent diplomatic talks show that European concern is moving beyond public statements. Berlin is now seeking direct answers from Beijing about the nature and extent of any military training involving Russian troops.
The controversy is likely to remain an important issue in relations between China and Europe. As the war in Ukraine continues, European governments are expected to increase their focus on countries and companies suspected of helping Russia maintain its military capabilities. The latest allegations may also increase pressure for tighter sanctions enforcement and closer monitoring of military cooperation between China and Russia.