BEIJING, China — Chinese President Xi Jinping reaffirmed Beijing’s support for Belarus in safeguarding its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity during talks with President Alexander Lukashenko on Monday, underscoring the growing strategic partnership between the two countries at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions in Eastern Europe.
According to China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Xi said China would continue to support Belarus’ development while expanding bilateral cooperation across political and economic sectors. He also stressed the importance of maintaining close strategic communication to ensure relations continue advancing at a high level for the benefit of both countries.
“China supports Belarus in safeguarding its national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity,” Xi said during the meeting, according to the ministry.
The meeting came only days after Lukashenko held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, highlighting Belarus’ increasingly active diplomatic engagement with its two closest strategic partners.
Lukashenko’s visit also took place against the backdrop of continuing tensions surrounding Russia’s war in Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has previously expressed concern that Moscow could seek greater Belarusian involvement in support of Russia’s military campaign.
Despite those concerns, Monday’s discussions focused primarily on bilateral cooperation and long-term strategic ties between Beijing and Minsk.
Xi said China was prepared to continue providing assistance for Belarus’ development and national construction within its capabilities, signaling Beijing’s intention to deepen cooperation as the countries strengthen political and economic relations.
Belarusian officials described the relationship as being at its strongest point since diplomatic ties were established.
The Belarusian presidential Telegram channel, Pul Pervogo, characterized bilateral relations as having reached a “historic peak.”
Lukashenko echoed that assessment during the meeting, saying the current level of cooperation reflected ambitions both governments had long shared.
“This is exactly what we talked about before,” Lukashenko said, according to the Belarusian presidential channel. “Perhaps, to some extent, it is what we had dreamed of on the eve of this global cooperation between Belarus and China.”
The meeting reinforced the close partnership that has expanded significantly in recent years through increased trade, infrastructure cooperation and diplomatic coordination, with China remaining one of Belarus’ most important economic partners outside the former Soviet region.
