Story perspectives

Germany Summons Chinese Ambassador Over Secret Russian CBRN Training

7/4/2026

Summary

Germany summons China

Germany summoned China’s ambassador on July 3 2026 after Reuters reported China secretly trained Russian soldiers.
The German Foreign Ministry warned that any support for Russia’s war threatens German security.
Reuters said the training, approved by Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov in August 2025, was a three-week Beijing course on radiological, biological and chemical defence for about 200 soldiers.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said Brussels confirmed the training and is assessing its implications.

Summary

Germany Requests Talks

Foreign ministry said Berlin asked Chinese Ambassador Ding Hongbo for immediate talks after a Spiegel report alleged Chinese training of Russian troops.
The ministry tied the request to the Spiegel investigation, showing reporting can trigger diplomatic action.
The Chinese embassy was unreachable Friday, after previously dismissing the allegations as unfounded.
The ministry called the meeting request urgent, indicating escalation after a Reuters report said Russia’s defence minister approved the training.

History

Historical Context

Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea provoked Western sanctions and pushed Moscow toward Beijing, leading to joint drills with China and EU attempts to curb their security cooperation. The UN General Assembly voted 100-11-58 to condemn the annexation. In July 2026 Germany summoned Chinese Ambassador Ding Hongbo over alleged CBRN training, echoing Berlin’s 2014-2015 effort to limit Sino-Russian ties.

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Germany summons China

Germany summoned China’s ambassador on July 3 2026 after Reuters reported China secretly trained Russian soldiers.
The German Foreign Ministry warned that any support for Russia’s war threatens German security.
Reuters said the training, approved by Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov in August 2025, was a three-week Beijing course on radiological, biological and chemical defence for about 200 soldiers.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said Brussels confirmed the training and is assessing its implications.

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