Germany Holds Urgent Talks with Chinese Ambassador over Alleged Russian Soldier Training

German authorities have initiated urgent talks with the Chinese ambassador following reports that China trained Russian soldiers in connection with the war in Ukraine. A spokesperson for the German Foreign Ministry announced on Friday that Germany requested immediate discussions with Ambassador Ding Hongbo concerning allegations that China is training Russian troops, confirming details published by Spiegel magazine.

This development follows a Reuters report from two days earlier stating that China secretly trained Russian forces last year with the personal approval of the Russian Ministry of Defense. The Chinese embassy did not comment on Friday but has previously denied these claims, describing them as baseless.

A source within the German Foreign Ministry emphasized that any assistance enabling Russia to continue its war against Ukraine also threatens Germany's security. The source stated, "Therefore, the decisive and increasing support China provides to Russia's war directly impacts our security."

The same source added, "This is deeply concerning because the principle we have repeatedly affirmed remains valid: Russia is the greatest threat to our Euro-Atlantic security."

During the meeting, German officials clearly reiterated their serious concerns about China's support for Russia in this context, as reported by the German newspaper Handelsblatt. The request for an "urgent conversation" does not equate to a formal ambassadorial summons, which would represent a more severe diplomatic escalation.

For years, the German government and the European Union have accused China of backing Russia in the Ukraine conflict, accusations Beijing has consistently denied. According to Handelsblatt, numerous Chinese companies confirmed to have supplied Russia with war-related spare parts appear on Western sanctions lists.

The recent package of twenty sanctions imposed by the European Union includes new penalties targeting Chinese individuals and companies believed to support Russia. Overall, more than 100 Chinese persons and companies have been added to the EU's sanctions lists.