Belarus and China have announced their commitment to strengthening security and economic ties, with a focus on improving cooperation in finance, energy, and industrial supply chains. Chinese Premier Li Qiang visited Belarusian Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko in Minsk, following his state visit to Russia. Both countries are key allies of the Kremlin, especially as Western sanctions continue to isolate Moscow. Belarus recently joined the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, led by Russia and China, and conducted joint military drills with China near the border with Ukraine and Poland. While China officially maintains neutrality in Russia’s conflict with Ukraine, Beijing and Moscow are deepening their relationship.
In a recent interview with Russian state TV, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko claimed to have deployed a third of his army to Ukraine’s border earlier in the year. Lukashenko also pardoned 30 political prisoners in Belarus, but approximately 1,400 others remain in prison on politically motivated charges. Meanwhile, neighboring Lithuania continues to support Ukraine by streamlining the process for foreign volunteers fighting in the conflict. The situation in Ukraine remains a key focus for Belarus and its neighbors in Eastern Europe.
The joint statement released by Belarus and China highlights their commitment to enhancing security cooperation and strengthening economic ties, particularly in finance, energy, and industrial supply chains. Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s visit to Belarus underscores the close relationship between the two countries, which have remained key allies of Russia amidst growing international isolation. Belarus’ recent entry into the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, combined with joint military drills with China near the border with Ukraine and Poland, further solidifies their partnership. Despite China’s official stance on Russia’s conflict with Ukraine, Beijing and Moscow are deepening their ties.
Alexander Lukashenko, the leader of Belarus, recently claimed to have deployed a significant portion of his army to the border with Ukraine earlier in the year. Additionally, Lukashenko pardoned 30 political prisoners in Belarus, but many others are still imprisoned on charges believed to be politically motivated. In neighboring Lithuania, efforts are being made to support Ukraine by facilitating the process for foreign volunteers willing to fight in the conflict. The situation in Ukraine remains a central focus for Belarus, Lithuania, and other countries in Eastern Europe as they navigate the ongoing conflict.
The joint statement released by Belarus and China emphasizes their mutual commitment to strengthening security and economic ties, with a specific focus on improving cooperation in finance, energy, and industrial supply chains. Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s visit to Belarus signals the close relationship between the two countries, which continue to support Russia amid increasing international pressure. Belarus’ recent entry into the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and joint military drills with China near the border with Ukraine and Poland underscore their alliance. While China maintains a neutral stance on Russia’s conflict with Ukraine, Beijing and Moscow are deepening their partnership.
In a recent interview, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko announced that he had deployed a significant portion of his army to Ukraine’s border earlier in the year. Lukashenko also pardoned some political prisoners in Belarus, though many others remain in custody on politically motivated charges. Lithuania is taking steps to support Ukraine by easing the process for foreign volunteers willing to fight in the conflict. The ongoing situation in Ukraine remains a key issue for Belarus, Lithuania, and other neighboring countries in Eastern Europe as they navigate the complexities of the conflict and work to support those affected.