Germany summons Chinese ambassador over reports of training for Russian troops

Germany has requested urgent talks with China's ambassador following reports that China trained Russian soldiers, the German Foreign Ministry said on July 4, amid growing concerns over Beijing's alleged support for Moscow's war in Ukraine.

The ministry confirmed a report by Der Spiegel that the Chinese ambassador had been summoned after allegations that Chinese personnel provided training to Russian forces, Reuters reports.

The move comes two days after Reuters reported that China secretly trained Russian troops last year with the personal approval of Russia's defence minister under President Vladimir Putin.

China has denied the allegations. The Chinese Embassy previously described the reports as "unfounded."

A source at Germany's Foreign Ministry said any assistance that enables Russia to continue its invasion of Ukraine has direct security implications for Europe.

"Anything that enables Russia to continue its war of aggression against Ukraine also threatens our security," the source said. "Consequently, China's decisive and growing support for Russia's brutal war of aggression directly impacts our security."

By Sabina Mammadli