Vladimir Putin’s forces are being “trained in biological and chemical warfare in China”, a top secret leaked dossier claims. Russian soldiers are alleged to have been hauled to a People’s Liberation Army (PLA) military base in Beijing for top-level briefings.

The classified files, seen by Reuters, suggest the training was personally signed off on by Putin. They include images of Putin’s troops being lectured by a Chinese instructor who is standing in front of a model of a nuclear reactor. The Russians were reportedly being taught about “chemical and radiation reconnaissance” and protecting ventilation systems from contamination.

It is estimated 200 Russian man have already received drone warfare training in China, while hundreds of Chinese troops were sent to Russia. Xi Jinping claims his nation is neutral in the Ukraine war and is acting as a “peace mediator”.

But the contents of these top secret documents further stretch the legitimacy of China’s official position. A European official told Reuters that training for such warfare underlined the strategic nature of the exchanges and noted the topic is sensitive for militaries.

“The relevant allegations are entirely unfounded,” China’s foreign ministry said in a statement.

Last month, it was revealed that Brussels had confirmed the training had taken place and that assessments were underway to determine the implications.

EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas said: “We are carefully assessing the implications.” However, China described the reports as “nothing but smears”.

It comes as new analysis from the Dutch defence ministry suggests Putin will start war with NATO less than one year after ending the invasion of Ukraine.

Although no likely end date to that was given, the new annual defence policy strategy document makes clear that Europe is currently in a “grey area” between war and peace.

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