In a dramatic escalation of regional tensions, the European Union has levelled an explosive accusation against Beijing, alleging that Chinese military personnel have been actively training Russian soldiers for deployment in the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The claim, made by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas following a meeting of the bloc’s foreign ministers in Luxembourg, marks a significant hardening of Brussels’ stance toward China. Kallas stated that the EU had “verified reports” of such training, characterising Beijing as a “decisive enabler” of Russia’s invasion.
The accusation triggered an immediate and furious response from the Chinese Foreign Ministry. During a regular press briefing in Beijing on Tuesday, spokesperson Lin Jian categorically denied the allegations, dismissing them as completely fabricated.
“The relevant claim has no factual basis and is nothing but defamation and slander,” Lin declared. Beijing has consistently maintained a position of neutrality regarding the conflict, and officials described the EU’s remarks as a malicious attempt to smear China’s international reputation.
Intelligence Reports Under Microscope
While Kallas did not provide specific details or evidence to substantiate the claim, the narrative aligns with a report published last month by Reuters, which suggested that Chinese forces had covertly trained approximately 200 Russian military personnel in late 2025.
According to that report, the training, allegedly focused on the use of sophisticated drone technology, was outlined in a bilateral agreement signed by senior Russian and Chinese officers.
For the European Union, the alleged training is seen as the latest evidence of China’s deepening military and economic involvement in the conflict. In conjunction with the announcement, the EU confirmed that it is moving ahead with new sanctions against several Chinese entities, including companies accused of supplying drone components and chemical additives to the Russian military.
These measures, combined with broader discussions regarding China’s industrial overcapacity, highlight a growing appetite in Brussels for tougher trade and security restrictions.
A New Chapter in Transatlantic Friction?
The fallout from these accusations threatens to further damage the fragile relationship between China and the West. As the EU prepares to discuss additional restrictive measures against Beijing, China has urged the bloc to refrain from “unfounded” rhetoric. Analysts warn that if the EU proceeds with broad-scale sanctions based on these claims, it could trigger a reciprocal response from Beijing, potentially leading to a trade and diplomatic war that would have far-reaching implications for the global economy. With Brussels vowing to “carefully assess the implications” of the alleged training, the diplomats have been weighing the impact of these claims on the future of Europe-China relations.
