Full Breakdown
Secret RCB Training Programme Approved by Russia and Conducted in China
7/1/2026, 11:36:27 PM
Core Event & Background
In August 2025 Defence Minister Andrei Belousov authorised a Russian delegation to attend a three-week radiological, chemical and biological (RCB) training programme at PLA facilities in Beijing and Nanjing. At least four senior Russian generals and four senior Chinese officers took part. Key signatories included Russian Major General Rustam Khusainov and Chinese Senior Colonel Sun Dayun, with Colonel General Rustam Muradov leading the Russian delegation and PLA Major General Li Jinsun opening a course. European officials view the exchange as a sign of deepening cooperation, despite Beijing’s claim of neutrality in the Ukraine war.
Data & Statistics
About 200 Russian troops received RCB instruction, covering chemical and radiation reconnaissance, ventilation protection and model-reactor analysis. Documents list participants’ ranks, birth dates and security clearances. Russian internal reports praised Chinese simulators and equipment standards but noted China’s lack of recent combat experience.
Timeline
- Aug 2025: Belousov’s decree.
- Nov 2025: RCB course in Beijing/Nanjing.
- 2 Jul 2026: Agreement signed by Major General Rustam Khusainov and Senior Colonel Sun Dayun.
- 15 Jun 2026: EU confirms training.
Official Statements & Responses
China’s foreign ministry called the allegations “entirely unfounded” and called EU comments “nothing but smears.” EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the bloc is “carefully assessing the implications” and warned China is a “decisive enabler of Russia’s war.” Russian lawmaker Andrei Kartapolov dismissed the report as “complete nonsense” and said Russia’s military “has nothing to learn from China.” The Kremlin complained of “false information” in the West. Both defence ministries declined to comment on the programme.
Criticism & Opposition
EU officials argue the training makes China a strategic enabler of Russia, challenging the bloc’s economic focus on Beijing. They say the EU must stop viewing China solely through an economic lens. Analysts note RCB instruction is unusually sensitive and marks a shift to operational cooperation.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Russia and China deny the programme, calling the claims “unfounded” or “nonsense.” European officials cite classified documents and photos confirming it; trainee numbers range from “around 200” to “hundreds.” Impact on Ukraine remains unverified.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The relevant allegations are entirely unfounded,” — Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson
- “complete nonsense” — Andrei Kartapolov, head of the Russian parliament’s defence committee
- “We are carefully assessing the implications.” — Kaja Kallas, EU foreign policy chief
- “decisive enabler of Russia's war” — Kaja Kallas, EU foreign policy chief
Why It Matters / Impact
The exchange deepens Russia-China defence ties, prompting the EU to consider sanctions on Chinese defence firms and tighter export controls. NATO sees it as evidence of a coordinated challenge to Western security, potentially expanding Russia’s battlefield options. The development may force the EU to reassess its trade relationship with China alongside security concerns.
What’s Next
The EU is reviewing sanctions and export restrictions. Moscow and Beijing signal continued exchanges, with Chinese soldiers slated for training in Russia. Intelligence assessments will gauge further diplomatic fallout.
