Russia's New Military Service Mandate
The Chinese Consulate in Russia has issued a formal advisory to its citizens regarding a new Russian law that mandates military service for foreigners. Enacted in November 2025, the legislation requires male permanent residents aged 18 to 65 to serve at least one year in the Russian armed forces. This service is a prerequisite for applying for Russian citizenship or a permanent residence permit. The consulate urged Chinese nationals to 'pay close attention' to this new requirement and to 'make careful decisions.' This advisory comes amid heightened scrutiny of foreign nationals in Russia.
The law includes specific exemptions for:
- Citizens of Belarus;
- Men who have already fulfilled the Russian military service requirement;
- Individuals deemed medically unfit for military service.
This policy follows a pattern of previous Russian raids targeting migrants with expired or missing documents, who were then coerced into military service under threat of criminal prosecution or deportation.
Capture of Chinese Nationals in Ukraine
In a related development, on April 8, 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the capture of two Chinese citizens who were fighting with Russian forces in the Donetsk region. The prisoners were detained by soldiers of the 81st Separate Airmobile Siverskyi Brigade and the 157th Separate Mechanized Brigade. Zelenskyy instructed the Foreign Minister to contact Beijing regarding the incident, highlighting the international diplomatic implications. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has drawn in foreign fighters from various nations.
Consequently, the new military service law has caused significant concern among the Chinese community in Russia, a concern amplified by the recent capture of their compatriots. In light of these events, Chinese leader Xi Jinping has stated the situation requires 'equal participation from all parties.'
The introduction of this law signals a tightening of control over migrants and their rights within Russia, a move that could strain relations between Moscow and Beijing. The detention of Chinese nationals involved in hostilities underscores the potential risks for Chinese migrants and the need for diplomatic efforts to ensure their protection. This situation is likely to prompt further negotiations between the two nations, as it touches on critical issues of security and human rights that are significant for both sides.