Multiple reports, citing European officials and classified documents reviewed by Reuters, say Russia authorizes covert military training for Chinese forces involving Russian personnel at high levels. The documents are said to refer to an internal decree issued by Russia’s Defence Minister Andrei Belousov in August 2025. According to the accounts, the decree authorizes a delegation from Russia’s armed forces to travel to China to take part in training exercises at People’s Liberation Army (PLA) facilities. One described course is reported to be a three-week program focused on radiological, chemical, and biological protection, held at a military facility in Beijing in November. The reports also say the training includes the participation of at least four Russian and Chinese generals, based on the involvement of senior officers described by European officials. Some outlets attribute “top-level” approval to President Vladimir Putin’s defence minister, while others describe the approval as coming from Belousov personally. European officials referenced in the reports say the involvement of senior figures indicates the importance Russia and China place on such cooperation, which raises concerns in Europe. Beijing is described as denying that such training took place or that it occurred as characterized by the reports.