EU Weighs Sanctions on Chinese Entities Over Training of 200 Russian Troops
Updated
Updated · South China Morning Post · Jun 16
EU Weighs Sanctions on Chinese Entities Over Training of 200 Russian Troops
3 articles · Updated · South China Morning Post · Jun 16
Summary
EU foreign ministers agreed to sanction several Chinese entities after Kaja Kallas said the bloc had verified reports that China trained Russian personnel to fight in Ukraine.
Around 200 Russian troops received covert training in China in 2025, Reuters reported earlier, with instruction focused mainly on drone use under a July 2, 2025 Russian-Chinese military agreement.
That agreement also envisaged hundreds of Chinese troops training in Russia, suggesting a broader two-way military exchange than Beijing has publicly acknowledged.
China denied the Reuters report in May and says it remains neutral on the war, but the EU is now assessing wider trade and security implications for ties with Beijing.
Beyond sanctions, what options does the EU have if China's military support for Russia continues to escalate?
With China now training Russian troops, is the EU's economic 'de-risking' strategy against Beijing already obsolete?
Can Europe build its defenses against Russia while China controls the critical minerals needed for modern weapons?
China's 2025 Military Training for Russian Forces: Implications for Ukraine, NATO, and Global Security
Overview
In late 2025, China directly provided military training to around 200 Russian soldiers, marking a major shift from previous indirect support. Some of these trained personnel were later sent to fight in Ukraine, showing the immediate impact of this cooperation. This direct training highlights a deepening military partnership between Beijing and Moscow, with the program specifically designed to boost Russian military capabilities. China’s decision reflects a strategic move to strengthen its alliance with Russia, signaling a significant escalation in support and a clear commitment to their growing alignment amid ongoing tensions with the West.