Lukashenko visits Beijing. This is an element of strengthening ties with China
Aleksandr Lukashenko visited Beijing, where he met with Xi Jinping, emphasizing the "true friendship" between Belarus and China. Can such "friendship" pose any threat to NATO and the EU?
Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko has visited Beijing to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping, who underlined the "true friendship" between their countries and called for a joint stand against "hegemony and intimidation" in the international arena. The meeting took place at the Zhonganhai government complex, where Xi Jinping noted that the traditional friendship between China and Belarus has been longstanding.
- China and Belarus are true friends and good partners, and the political trust between Beijing and Minsk is inviolable, the Chinese leader emphasized.
Lukashenko, who has ruled Belarus for over three decades, expressed his "deep appreciation" for China, which he said serves as a model for the world by opposing unilateral policies and the imposition of sanctions. The visit to Beijing was his 15th to the country.
Belarus, under Western sanctions for supporting Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, is tightening its alliances in the East. Beijing views Minsk as a key partner in the Belt and Road Initiative, particularly given Belarus' strategic importance as a land gateway to Europe.
Such a meeting between these two leaders poses a challenge for the West in the context of China's increasing activities in Europe. Strengthening relationships between Belarus and Beijing can be a serious warning for NATO and the EU regarding international security and defence politics.
Sources: RMF24, PISM
