In a move likely to deepen strategic tensions between the West and the Beijing-Moscow axis, Russian forces are reportedly preparing to train hundreds of Chinese military personnel on battlefield tactics and weapon-countermeasures derived from the war in Ukraine. The revelations, first published by the Kyiv Post, cite sources within Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence Directorate (HUR).
According to the report, approximately 600 personnel from China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) will be hosted at various Russian Armed Forces bases this year. These soldiers are expected to receive specialized instruction in countering U.S.- and NATO-supplied weapons systems, which have been extensively deployed by Ukrainian forces since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022.
What the Training Involves
The HUR source stated that the Kremlin has authorized Chinese troops to “study and adopt the combat experience” Russia has gained during its now 40-month-long campaign in Ukraine. The curriculum is set to focus on:
Air defense systems
Artillery operations
Tank and heavy vehicle maneuvers
Combat engineering
The goal, analysts believe, is to prepare Chinese units with firsthand knowledge of modern Western arms systems—especially those used by NATO forces—and how to neutralize them in a future battlefield scenario.
Implications for Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific
Security experts warn that the partnership may serve more than academic interests. The PLA has closely observed both the battlefield tactics and international response to Russia’s Ukraine invasion and may use these insights in a potential military campaign to seize Taiwan, which Beijing claims as part of its territory.
“The People’s Liberation Army is eager to learn from Russia’s combat experience in Ukraine,” noted a joint analysis by the Center for European Policy Analysis. “It could be invaluable in a Taiwan scenario, particularly against U.S. intervention.”
A Deepening China-Russia Alliance
The military training program underscores a growing alignment between Russia and China, whose leaders declared a “no-limits partnership” shortly before the war in Ukraine began. Despite portraying itself as a neutral party in the conflict, Beijing has increasingly provided logistical, technological, and economic support to Moscow.
While denying the direct transfer of lethal arms, China has been accused by U.S. and European intelligence services of supplying critical components for Russian drone and missile programs.
Earlier this year, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that China had halted drone exports to Ukraine and other European nations, while continuing to supply Moscow. “Chinese Mavic is open for Russians but is closed for Ukrainians,” Zelensky told Bloomberg. He also confirmed the presence of Chinese representatives at drone production sites on Russian soil.
Why It Matters
This latest development reveals a new chapter in Russia’s attempt to export its battlefield know-how and cement its geopolitical ties with China. By offering training that targets the very weaponry used by Western allies, Moscow and Beijing are not only escalating military cooperation—but also openly challenging the global defense architecture led by NATO and the United States.
Despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s efforts to negotiate a full ceasefire—which Kyiv agreed to over 100 days ago—Russia has continued its offensive, including a recent airstrike on Kyiv.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told Sky News, “We have a strategic advantage now. Why should we lose it? We’re moving forward.”
What’s Next?
Experts expect more joint exercises and strategic cooperation between Russian and Chinese forces. While China seeks to advance beyond Russia in key areas like submarines, missiles, and electronic warfare, the war in Ukraine has given Moscow a trove of real-world experience to share—particularly in hybrid warfare, drone use, and counter-NATO tactics.
NATO leaders are likely to view the move as a provocation and a warning. With Beijing and Moscow deepening their security coordination, the long-feared military axis between the two powers seems closer than ever to becoming operational reality.
