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Jun 16, 20261
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China Dismisses EU Allegations of Military Training for Russian Troops in Ukraine
China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian rejected EU allegations that Beijing trained Russian troops fighting in Ukraine, calling the accusations "groundless" and a "pure smear" during a June 16, 2026 press conference. EU High Representative Kaja Kallas had stated the bloc was verifying reports of Chinese military training for Russian forces.
Quick Facts
Who
Lin Jian
What
China rejected allegations of training Russian military personnel
When
June 16, 2026
Where
Beijing, China
- China rejected allegations of training Russian military personnel
- EU High Representative claimed China may have trained Russian troops
- EU stated it was verifying reports of Chinese military involvement
- Chinese Foreign Ministry dismissed accusations as defamation
- Lin Jian
China has firmly rejected European Union claims that Beijing provided military training to Russian forces deployed in Ukraine. During a regular news briefing on June 16, 2026, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian characterized the allegations as "groundless" and a "pure smear," stating that the accusations lacked any factual foundation.
The dispute arose after EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas announced that the European Union was verifying reports suggesting China had trained Russian military personnel fighting on the battlefield in Ukraine. In response, Lin Jian dismissed the claims during a press conference in Beijing, describing them as "defamation and slander" with no basis in fact.
The exchange highlights ongoing tensions between Beijing and the EU regarding China's relationship with Russia amid the Ukraine conflict. While the EU has indicated it is investigating the reports, China's categorical denial underscores its position that it has not provided military support to Russian operations in Ukraine.
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Why This Matters
These allegations represent a critical geopolitical escalation in the Ukraine conflict, directly implicating a major global power in active military support for Russia. If substantiated, such training would signal a significant deepening of China-Russia military alignment during wartime, with major implications for Western sanctions strategy and broader Indo-Pacific security. Readers should monitor this dispute as it may trigger new EU policy responses and shape future China-EU relations, especially regarding defense technology and military cooperation restrictions.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 16, 2026
WireKaja Kallas states EU is verifying reports of Chinese military training for Russian troops in Ukraine
Jun 16, 2026
WireLin Jian holds press conference in Beijing and rejects allegations as groundless and a pure smear