Russia is preparing to host hundreds of Chinese soldiers for military training aimed at defeating NATO weapon systems, according to Ukrainian intelligence reports. This deepening partnership marks another milestone in the two countries’ strategic alignment against the West.
Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence Directorate (HUR) told the Kyiv Post that about 600 Chinese troops will travel to Russian military installations this year. These soldiers will receive specialized instruction on countering American and European weapons that have been used by Ukrainian forces since Russia’s invasion began.
“The Kremlin has decided to allow Chinese military personnel to study and adopt the combat experience Russia has gained in its war against Ukraine,” a spokesperson for HUR explained.
The curriculum reportedly will include training in:
- Countermeasures against NATO artillery and air defense systems
- Use of heavy combat vehicles and tanks
- Combat engineering tactics
- Air defense operations
While Beijing portrays itself as neutral in the war, NATO leaders have repeatedly called China a “decisive enabler” of Russia.
Analysts say China is eager to apply these lessons to a potential invasion of Taiwan. The Chinese military has spent years observing how Western weapons have performed in Ukraine. Gaining first-hand knowledge directly from Russian trainers could improve China’s ability to blunt U.S. and NATO support for Taiwan if conflict breaks out.
Alina Hrytsenko, an international relations specialist, wrote that the People’s Liberation Army is “eager to learn from Russia’s combat experience gained in Ukraine and other recent battlefields.”
This is not China’s first step toward bolstering Moscow. After the invasion of Ukraine began, American and British intelligence concluded that Beijing provided Russia with lethal aid and critical supplies. By 2024, Ukraine’s president confirmed that China had stopped selling drones to Europe while continuing shipments to Russian forces. Some Russian drones recovered by Ukraine have contained Chinese components.
Russia and China have drawn steadily closer over the past decade. Presidents Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping declared a “no limits” partnership in early 2022, and military cooperation has continued to expand despite international pressure. Joint exercises and high-level exchanges have become routine.
According to Newsweek, security analysts believe these ties are about more than Ukraine. Beijing sees Moscow as a source of advanced military technology for missiles, submarines, and electronic warfare. In return, Russia gains economic lifelines and diplomatic cover as it wages war in Europe.
The timing of this new training mission underscores the shared ambition to challenge U.S. influence. Despite ceasefire talks and attempts by President Donald Trump to end the conflict, Russia has continued to strike Ukrainian cities. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Sky News last month: “We have a strategic advantage now. Why should we lose it? We’re not going to lose it.”
Russia’s decision to open its training programs to Chinese soldiers is a clear sign that their partnership is moving beyond economic support into operational preparation for future conflicts with the West.
Ukraine’s intelligence agency warns this is not a symbolic gesture but a deliberate effort to strengthen China’s readiness for large-scale warfare against NATO-standard weaponry.
Whether these lessons will be tested first in Taiwan or elsewhere, one thing is certain: the Russia-China military relationship is entering a more dangerous and consequential phase.
ACZ Editor: Russia has lost a lot of men and equipment, the war has been devastating. But despite their losses, they now have cadres of experienced and battle hardened soldiers who will be the core of fighters in their next war, a major advantage. While the Chinese soldiers will not have the actual experience, the training provide will dramatically increase the capability of the Chinese versus their common enemy, NATO.