Alexander Lukashenko and Xi Jinping held talks in Beijing

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks in Beijing, BelTA informs. The leader of Belarus believes that the realities of the time require new non-standard approaches in order to prevent a slide into a global confrontation in which there will be no winners. “You clearly, unequivocally and punctually stated this when addressing the world community. That is why Belarus actively comes up with proposals for peace, fully supports the initiative you put forward on international security,” he added.

February 21 Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs published the concept of the Global Security Initiative, which is based on six key principles. It spoke about the need to adhere to the vision of common, comprehensive, shared and sustainable security. Beijing also believes that it is necessary to remain committed to respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries, to resolve differences through dialogue and consultations, rather than conflicts and sanctions. In addition, Beijing advocates maintaining security against both traditional and non-traditional threats.

On February 24, the Chinese Foreign Ministry published another 12-point document outlining its vision for a political settlement of the conflict in Ukraine. Among them are respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries and the norms of international law, the rejection of the “Cold War mentality” (including the expansion of military blocs), a ceasefire, the reduction of strategic risks and the prevention of the use of nuclear weapons, the cessation of the imposition of unilateral sanctions, etc.

In addition, Lukashenka offered Beijing to develop cooperation. Minsk is interested in deepening cooperation with China on technological development, including the creation of joint ventures, the modernization of Belarusian enterprises with the introduction of modern Chinese technologies, as well as the promotion of goods and services to the markets of third countries. In addition, Lukashenko said that his family was “very worried about the success” of the 20th Congress of the Communist Party of China, held in October 2022, after which Xi was confirmed for a third term as general secretary.

Xi, for his part, said that he was pleased with the arrival of Lukashenka, with whom they have been friends for years (they first met in Beijing in 2010). The Chinese leader noted that the achieved status of a comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries should be filled with new content.

Prior to this, the Belarusian leader met with the outgoing Premier of the State Council Li Keqiang and Chairman of the NPC Committee (quasi-parliament of the PRC) Li Zhanshu. In a conversation with the first of them, Lukashenko proposed to intensify relations between the two countries. At the same time, he noted that countries have never “set the task of being friends or working against anyone.” Lukashenko also thanked China for helping and supporting Belarus, noting that trade between the countries is growing and has reached almost $6 billion.

Lukashenka arrived in China on a state visit on February 28 and will stay there until March 2. It is expected that as a result of the talks, a large package of documents on the development of relations between the states will be signed.

The reception of Lukashenka Xi has an important symbolic meaning for the leader of Belarus against the backdrop of the complete collapse of relations with the West, despite the fact that Russia continues to be Minsk’s main partner, says Vice-Rector of the State Academic University for the Humanities Vyacheslav Sutyrin. Against the background of the collapse of relations with the West, Minsk is adapting to a new regional configuration and intends to develop cooperation with Beijing. Lukashenka, Sutyrin continues, is interested in attracting more Chinese investment and accelerating the development of relations.