Posted:
10.07.2025 13:02:00
Chinese Ambassador to Belarus on his first Independence Day in Minsk
The celebration of sovereignty and strength of the national spirit
My first Independence Day in Belarus: impressions, reflections and parallels
After ten months as the Chinese Ambassador to Belarus, I finally got to witness the most important holiday for the Belarusian people — Independence Day. First celebrated on July 3rd, 1997, and now marking the 81st anniversary of the liberation of Minsk (Belarus’ capital) from Nazi invaders, Independence Day was a new and important experience for me. It allowed me to enjoy the holiday with my Belarusian friends for several days in a row and to immerse myself in its exciting atmosphere.
![]()
Zhang Wenchuan
Putting people first
The holiday was preceded by a solemn meeting ahead of Independence Day, which took place on July 1st at the Palace of the Republic. The event began at 6 p.m, but I arrived in advance. Diplomats from the Belarusian Foreign Ministry were already waiting at the entrance — their dedication and sincere friendliness have always impressed me. This brightly lit palace was full of people: representatives of various professions and sectors in festive attire, many of whom I was acquainted with. We greeted and congratulated each other on the holiday. Lots of people knew that this day is also the 104th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese Communist Party — and they congratulated me on this holiday as well. As the saying goes, shared joy is doubled — and it is indeed so!
I noticed that the podium in the centre of the hall was decorated in red — grandly and brightly, but at the same time festively and harmoniously — it was very similar to Chinese traditions. Apparently, our countries have a similar view on holidays. At exactly 6 p.m, to thunderous applause, President of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko stepped up to the microphones and warmly greeted the celebration attendees. The Belarusian national anthem was played in the hall, then the President gave a speech in which he recalled the great journey of the Belarusian people towards national independence, honoured the memory of heroes and expressed his vision of the current international and regional situation. His speech was repeatedly paused by applause.
On the morning of July 3rd, I watched on television as representatives of various circles of Belarusian society were laying flowers at the Mound of Glory. Every time I pass this place when I’m headed to the airport, I can't help but observe this tall man-made hill and the monument towering above it —four steel bayonets pointing skyward, symbolising the four fronts that liberated Belarus and the wreath encircling them as a symbol of peace and the Victory.
On the country's main holiday, the iconic memorial was gleaming radiant. Under the boundless clear sky, the national flag fluttered, the mound was surrounded by lush greenery, crowned with a golden monument, and around it was a sea of people — honor guard soldiers, excited citizens and joyful children. The camera showed grey-haired veterans with medals on their chests, and I saw the steadfastness and calmness in their eyes — the confidence and dignity that only those who have gone through war, lost loved ones, realised the value of life and death, and love their land and its people with heart and soul can have.
In the evening of that festive day, I walked from the embassy to Minsk’s Pobedy [Victory] Park and, then, to the Museum of the Great Patriotic War History to absorb the special atmosphere on the city streets. Komsomolskoe Lake was much more vibrant than usual — new tent cafes were filling with people, the aroma of grilled meat wafting in the air, a long queue forming at the pier to rent boats, children playing on the grass and young couples walking hand in hand. A cosy, warm atmosphere reigned, undisturbed by excessive noise. The Belarusians are calm people who remain dignified and composed in any situation, which I sincerely admire.
The security check at the park entrance was polite and properly conducted. I saw many people, mostly young, walking along the bowery alleys, often with national flags in their hands. The media were broadcasting live reports, and a huge screen was running at the entrance to the Museum of the Great Patriotic War. The sunset painted the Minsk — Hero City Monument in gold, adding even more grandeur to it. People were coming from every corner — a grand performance was about to begin. I did not stay for the concert, but I was filled with the happiness and joy that overwhelmed Belarusians on this festive day.
Reflecting on it all, I see what matters most.
![]()
Zhang Wenchuan, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of China to Belarus.
My first Independence Day in Belarus: impressions, reflections and parallels
After ten months as the Chinese Ambassador to Belarus, I finally got to witness the most important holiday for the Belarusian people — Independence Day. First celebrated on July 3rd, 1997, and now marking the 81st anniversary of the liberation of Minsk (Belarus’ capital) from Nazi invaders, Independence Day was a new and important experience for me. It allowed me to enjoy the holiday with my Belarusian friends for several days in a row and to immerse myself in its exciting atmosphere.
Zhang Wenchuan
Putting people first
The holiday was preceded by a solemn meeting ahead of Independence Day, which took place on July 1st at the Palace of the Republic. The event began at 6 p.m, but I arrived in advance. Diplomats from the Belarusian Foreign Ministry were already waiting at the entrance — their dedication and sincere friendliness have always impressed me. This brightly lit palace was full of people: representatives of various professions and sectors in festive attire, many of whom I was acquainted with. We greeted and congratulated each other on the holiday. Lots of people knew that this day is also the 104th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese Communist Party — and they congratulated me on this holiday as well. As the saying goes, shared joy is doubled — and it is indeed so!
I noticed that the podium in the centre of the hall was decorated in red — grandly and brightly, but at the same time festively and harmoniously — it was very similar to Chinese traditions. Apparently, our countries have a similar view on holidays. At exactly 6 p.m, to thunderous applause, President of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko stepped up to the microphones and warmly greeted the celebration attendees. The Belarusian national anthem was played in the hall, then the President gave a speech in which he recalled the great journey of the Belarusian people towards national independence, honoured the memory of heroes and expressed his vision of the current international and regional situation. His speech was repeatedly paused by applause.
When President Aleksandr Lukashenko said: ‘the most important thing for me is not to let you down’, I immediately thought of President Xi Jinping as saying: ‘For the good of my people, I will put aside my own well-being’. Putting people first — this is the core principle of the Chinese Communist Party’s governance, as well as a common value that China and Belarus pursue!Life is precious, peace comes at a great cost
On the morning of July 3rd, I watched on television as representatives of various circles of Belarusian society were laying flowers at the Mound of Glory. Every time I pass this place when I’m headed to the airport, I can't help but observe this tall man-made hill and the monument towering above it —four steel bayonets pointing skyward, symbolising the four fronts that liberated Belarus and the wreath encircling them as a symbol of peace and the Victory.
On the country's main holiday, the iconic memorial was gleaming radiant. Under the boundless clear sky, the national flag fluttered, the mound was surrounded by lush greenery, crowned with a golden monument, and around it was a sea of people — honor guard soldiers, excited citizens and joyful children. The camera showed grey-haired veterans with medals on their chests, and I saw the steadfastness and calmness in their eyes — the confidence and dignity that only those who have gone through war, lost loved ones, realised the value of life and death, and love their land and its people with heart and soul can have.
Over eight decades ago, a cruel war took the lives of three million Belarusians. China, as the main front in the East during the Second World War, lost thirty-five million precious lives. To remember history, honour the memory of heroes, preserve peace and build the future together is the shared responsibility of the peoples of China, Belarus and all countries of the world.The price of independence and sovereignty
In the evening of that festive day, I walked from the embassy to Minsk’s Pobedy [Victory] Park and, then, to the Museum of the Great Patriotic War History to absorb the special atmosphere on the city streets. Komsomolskoe Lake was much more vibrant than usual — new tent cafes were filling with people, the aroma of grilled meat wafting in the air, a long queue forming at the pier to rent boats, children playing on the grass and young couples walking hand in hand. A cosy, warm atmosphere reigned, undisturbed by excessive noise. The Belarusians are calm people who remain dignified and composed in any situation, which I sincerely admire.
The security check at the park entrance was polite and properly conducted. I saw many people, mostly young, walking along the bowery alleys, often with national flags in their hands. The media were broadcasting live reports, and a huge screen was running at the entrance to the Museum of the Great Patriotic War. The sunset painted the Minsk — Hero City Monument in gold, adding even more grandeur to it. People were coming from every corner — a grand performance was about to begin. I did not stay for the concert, but I was filled with the happiness and joy that overwhelmed Belarusians on this festive day.
Reflecting on it all, I see what matters most.
Independence Day is the celebration of sovereignty, the symbol of the country's independence and strength of the national spirit. The Belarusians are a great nation that has survived hardships and knows first-hand the price of independence and sovereignty. And while I was standing on this land filled with glorious history, rich culture and beautiful nature, absorbing the warm rays of the setting sun and enjoying the light breeze on that summer evening in Minsk, surrounded by sincere, kind and peace-loving people — I was mentally wishing everyone I met: ‘Dear friends, Belarusians, happy Independence Day!’
Zhang Wenchuan, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of China to Belarus.
