On China Visit, Lukashenko Calls for Cease-Fire in Ukraine
Growing closer with the Xi Jinping government, Lukashenko has voiced support for China’s proposed peace in the Russia-Ukraine war (Wikimedia Commons).
On March 1, Belarussian President Alexander Lukashenko met with Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in Beijing. Their meeting focused on the situation unfolding in Ukraine. Both nations called for a cease-fire and negotiations to end the conflict in Ukraine. The two also focused on the signing of cooperation agreements covering topics such as agriculture and customs enforcement.
“In the face of an international situation full of instability and uncertainty, China is ready to work together with Belarus to promote the healthy and stable development of relations between the two countries at a high level," Xi was cited as telling Lukashenko at the meeting.
China also unveiled a 12-point peace plan for the situation in Ukraine. Lukashenko affirmed his support for the plan stating that he "fully supports the initiative on international security you have put forward," according to remarks released by his aides. He further stated that, “political decisions should be aimed at first and foremost preventing a slide into a global confrontation that will see no winners.”
China and Belarus have enjoyed a close friendship, with China recently upgrading the status of its relationship with Belarus. China now considers Belarus an “all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership.” The only other country to which China has applied this term is Pakistan. This status confirms that Belarus ranks highly on China’s ranking of relationships.
The meeting between the two leaders emphasizes the close ties between China and Belarus. It also reveals the bond between China and Russia. This is important to consider in the context of the Russian invasion. China has maintained its friendly posture towardRussia and has yet to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Belarus has contributed to the Russian’s invasion of Ukraine from the very beginning as Lukashenko’s government has backed Moscow and allowed Belarus to be used as a staging ground. This support has continued throughout the invasion as Russia has maintained troops and weapons in Belarus and the two states have conducted joint military drills. As a result, Belarus has been the subject of sanctions and mounting international pressure.
The meeting between these two nations represents the strengthening friendship between them: a friendship that may extend to mutual commitment to a Russia that shows little sign of ceasing its unprovoked assault.