Russia approved secret China military training at top level, sources say
Russia gave high-level approval for secret military training with China, according to sources cited by Reuters. The training programs involve cooperation between the two countries' armed forces, reflecting deepening military ties.
Background
- The article reports that senior Russian officials approved secret military training programs for Chinese forces on Russian soil, according to anonymous sources. This indicates a deepening of the Russia-China military relationship beyond publicly acknowledged cooperation.
- Russia's invasion of Ukraine (2022-) has isolated it from Western military partnerships, pushing it closer to China. Beijing has provided diplomatic cover and economic support for Moscow while avoiding direct military involvement.
- The reported training covers sensitive areas such as nuclear-capable bomber operations and long-range aviation, systems China is actively modernizing. This goes beyond typical joint exercises (which have been publicly announced) into operational-level knowledge transfer.
- PLA-NATO relations have been tense over alleged Chinese support for Russia's defense industry; this story adds a dimension of direct military-to-military training that could further strain relations.
- The sources are described as "top-level," suggesting the training was approved at the highest echelons of Russian command, possibly including the defense ministry or Kremlin.