China has denied EU claims that Russian troops were trained on Chinese soil for use in the Ukraine war, calling the reports "without factual basis" and "slanderous." EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the bloc had verified reports that training occurred at multiple sites and involved several hundred Russian soldiers. An EU official said some trainees were later deployed to Ukraine. Brussels says it is assessing possible consequences; critics also accuse Beijing of supplying dual-use components to Russia.
China Denies EU Claim It Trained Russian Soldiers for Ukraine, Calls Allegations 'Slanderous'
FILE PHOTO - Lin Jian, spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, speaks at the ministry's daily briefing. (is associated with: «China denies EU allegation it trained Russian soldiers for Ukraine war») Johannes Neudecker/dpa
China has rejected EU allegations that it hosted training for Russian troops on its soil to be used in the war in Ukraine, calling the reports "without factual basis" and "slanderous." The Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian made the remarks at a press briefing in Beijing on Tuesday.
EU Allegation
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas told EU ministers in Luxembourg that the bloc had verified reports indicating members of the Russian military received training in China to fight in Ukraine. An EU official later told reporters that the training reportedly took place at several locations across China and involved several hundred Russian soldiers, some of whom were said to have been deployed to Ukraine.
China's Response
"These claims have no factual basis," Lin Jian said, describing the allegations as defamatory and without foundation.
China has not formally condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Critics say Beijing's stance provides political cover to Moscow, and it has faced repeated accusations of supplying dual-use components that could support Russia's defence industry.
What Happens Next
Kallas said the EU is carefully examining the potential consequences of the verified reports. Brussels has not yet outlined specific measures tied to these particular allegations. Any further diplomatic or economic steps would likely depend on additional verification and political deliberation among EU member states.
Context
Allegations about third-party training and military support are sensitive and could have diplomatic repercussions. Both Beijing and Brussels appear to be positioning themselves for follow-up scrutiny, with China denying the specific allegations and the EU signaling it will consider the implications.
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