China knows you can never trust the Russkies, because of their perennial imperialist ambitions dating back to the Tzarist days.
But for geopolitical reasons, the enemy of my enemy is my friend... temporarily.
That's why the Chinese are still training the Russian forces covertly; in return they get vital feedback on what it's like to engage in a real war, since PLA has not fought a war in decades.
https://www.straitstimes.com/world/...na-military-training-at-top-level-sources-say
Russia approved secret China military training at top level, sources say
Beijing says it is neutral in Russia’s war with Ukraine, and presents itself as a peace mediator.
PHOTO: REUTERS
China’s covert military training of Russian forces in 2025 was personally approved by President Vladimir Putin’s defence minister and directly involved at least four Russian and Chinese generals, according to two European officials and documents seen by Reuters.
The officials said the involvement of such high-ranking individuals in
training linked to the Ukraine war signalled the importance for Russia and China of such cooperation, which has caused alarm in Europe even as Beijing has denied it took place.
A classified Russian document seen by Reuters directly referred to an internal decree issued by Defence Minister Andrei Belousov in August 2025.