Belarus-China Ties Strengthen as Lukashenko Visits Beijing
With their mutual trade on the rise and cooperation expanding across various sectors, China and Belarus are set to become key partners in the region, with their strategic partnership having far-reaching consequences for global politics and economies, as they work together to counter Western pressure and promote their shared interests.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has praised Belarus as a "true friend" of China, congratulating Alexander Lukashenko on his re-election as the Belarusian leader visits Beijing for a three-day trip, his first since being declared the winner of a widely criticized poll in January.
The two leaders have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties, particularly in economic and trade cooperation, with China offering credit and investment to help Belarus transform and upgrade its industries. Belarus' economy has been severely impacted by Western sanctions and trade tariffs due to its support for Russia's war in Ukraine, and China's assistance is seen as a crucial lifeline.
The visit is expected to deepen practical cooperation and collaboration on the global stage, with key areas for future collaboration including industrial cooperation, healthcare, agriculture, the green and digital economies, and the services trade. The two countries established an all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership in September 2022, and their mutual trade has significantly increased, with Belarusian exports rising by approximately 18% in Q1 2025.
China and Belarus are also expected to strengthen policy coordination and establish more efficient cooperation mechanisms across various sectors, with the visit seen as an opportunity for the two countries to expand cooperation within the SCO framework, with China holding the rotating presidency of the organization this year.
The strengthening of ties between China and Belarus is likely to have significant implications for the global landscape, particularly in the face of Western pressure on both countries. As the two nations continue to deepen their cooperation, they are poised to play an increasingly important role in shaping international relations and global economic trends.