Opinion: Belarus occupies important place in China's comprehensive policy

Since coming to power in 1994, the Belarusian leader has persistently been establishing contacts with China – as noted by political expert Aleksandr Shpakovsky, commenting on Aleksandr Lukashenko’s recent meeting with China’s Defence Minister in Minsk

On August 17th, the President of Belarus met with Colonel-General Li Shangfu, member of the CPC Central Military Commission, State Councillor, Defence Minister of the People's Republic of China. The highest level of Belarusian-Chinese relations is not a surprise for many for a long time: the countries co-operate in many areas. Specific projects are being implemented, joint trainings are being held, and educational initiatives are being developed. They all are united by the similarity of the views of Minsk and Beijing on the global agenda.

“The Chinese Defence Minister conveyed warm greetings from President Xi Jinping to Aleksandr Lukashenko. Once again, the Chinese side stressed that, under the leadership of the two heads of state, Minsk and Beijing have reached the level of all-weather and comprehensive strategic partnership. This is a very important step in the diplomatic hierarchy of China – being the highest to date,” Mr. Shpakovsky noted in his talk with Alfa Radio.

The expert stressed, “Many people wonder why Minsk is treated by China in this way. It is quite obvious that, from the point of view of the economy and influence on certain processes, China and Belarus are incommensurable states. At the same time, the level of their relations is very high. Most likely, it is a matter of personal trusting relations between Aleksandr Lukashenko and Xi Jinping. The personal factor matters even at this level of politics.”

“Of course, the volume of trade turnover with China is significant for Belarus. The Chinese market is very promising for the republic, and the fact that Belarusian goods, especially agricultural products, have access to the Chinese market is a breath of fresh air – especially in conditions when countries of the collective West are now trying to crush us with sanctions. Meanwhile, not only the economy and trade create the basis for these trusting relations. There are also aspects of a political nature: Belarus and China share a common view on the world,” Mr. Shpakovsky added.

As noted by the expert, such high relations between Minsk and Beijing are much due to the policy of the President of Belarus, Aleksandr Lukashenko. “Since his coming to power in 1994, the Belarusian leader has been persistently establishing contacts with China. Xi Jinping's visit to Belarus and the visit of the Belarusian leader to Beijing indicate that our country occupies an important place in the comprehensive policy of the People's Republic of China – and the recent visit of the Chinese Defence Minister to the republic is another confirmation of this,” he stressed.