The European Union has obtained evidence that China trained hundreds of Russian soldiers on its territory before they were deployed to the front line in Ukraine. A high-ranking EU official confirmed the information to the portal Europejska Prawda, speaking on condition of anonymity.
The training took place at several military bases inside China and involved several hundred Russian personnel. According to the EU official, intelligence services have documented the presence of these soldiers later fighting in the Ukrainian theatre. Beijing continues to deny any involvement in military training of Russian forces.
The issue is set to be discussed in detail at Monday’s meeting of EU foreign ministers. The ministers will also address broader EU-China relations, particularly the bloc’s dependence on Chinese suppliers for its defence industry and possible steps to reduce that reliance.
Evidence of training and combat deployment
– The information about the training of Russian soldiers by China has been confirmed by our services – said the high-ranking EU official in the interview with Europejska Prawda. He added that the training was conducted in several bases in China and that hundreds of Russian soldiers participated.
The official noted that evidence has been found proving that the soldiers trained in China were subsequently sent to the Ukrainian front. Despite this, China continues to deny having trained any Russian military personnel, the official stressed.
EU foreign ministers will examine the findings on Monday and decide on a possible response. The meeting is expected to produce a joint statement on the matter.
Trade tensions with China escalate
Alongside the military training allegations, EU ministers will also discuss trade relations with China. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz recently called for a tougher stance on trade with Beijing. European Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič echoed this sentiment, saying he would like the EU to follow the United States’ approach in trade negotiations with China.
Pekin has criticised the EU’s plans to protect key industries from Chinese competition. Chinese officials warned that retaliatory measures could be taken if such protections were adopted by the bloc. The defence industry’s reliance on Chinese components is seen as a strategic vulnerability that the EU aims to address.
The combination of military and economic issues is likely to dominate the foreign ministers’ agenda. The EU is seeking a unified position that balances security concerns with the need to maintain stable trade ties with China, while also ensuring the bloc’s strategic autonomy.
Źródło: Polsat News, Fot. Polsat News
