At the end of 2025, China conducted a training program for about 200 Russian military personnel at bases in Beijing, Nanjing, Zhengzhou, and Shijiazhuang. The training covered FPV drones, electronic warfare, mechanized infantry, and mine clearance, aiming to train Russian instructors who then apply these techniques in Ukraine. For Beijing, the Ukrainian conflict serves as a military laboratory where it studies real tactics without officially getting involved.
Modern warfare doctrine: drones and electronic warfare 🚁
The Chinese program focused on transferring training methods and industrial production to Russia, which contributes its experience in real combat with drones and trench warfare. Russian instructors learned to operate advanced FPV systems and electronic warfare tactics, while China studied field data to improve its own doctrine. Moscow thus obtains training under sanctions, and Beijing gains access to tactical information without assuming direct diplomatic risks.
The Ukrainian laboratory: practices without enrolling 🧪
China observes the war in Ukraine like a diligent student who never raises their hand in class. While Russia tests its drones and trench tactics, Beijing takes notes and offers its industrial capacity as if it were a private tutor. The curious thing is that Moscow receives lessons in modern warfare just as its own manuals are being rewritten on the front lines. Thus, both learn: one how to fight, the other how to keep its hands clean.