Alexander Lukashenko, the president of Belarus and a close ally of Russian president Vladimir Putin, is set to visit Beijing this week, China’s foreign ministry announced. The news comes as US concerns grow that China is considering providing military aid to Russia. According to spokesperson Hua Chunying, Mr. Lukashenko is scheduled to arrive in Beijing on Tuesday and will depart on Thursday, but details of his agenda have not been disclosed.
Belarus has been a strong supporter of Moscow and has allowed its territory to be used as a staging ground for the initial invasion of Ukraine a year ago. Mr. Lukashenko has been the country’s only president since the position was created in 1994 and has been known for his iron-fisted rule, ruthlessly crushing protests over his disputed re-election in 2020. The visit is significant given the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the US warnings to China against providing military aid to Russia.
US officials, including CIA director William Burns, have repeatedly warned China against providing military aid to Russia, citing the potential consequences of such a move. In an interview with CBS, Mr. Burns stated that the US is confident that China is considering the provision of lethal equipment to Russia, but added that a final decision has not been made and there is no evidence of actual shipments. He emphasized that providing such aid would be a “very risky and unwise bet.”
China, on the other hand, claims to have a neutral stance on the conflict, but has refused to criticize Russia’s invasion of Ukraine or even acknowledge it as such. Beijing has accused the West of provoking the conflict and “fanning the flames” by providing Ukraine with defensive arms. China has also accused the US of smearing it over the military aid allegations and reiterated that it seeks only peace between Russia and Ukraine.
In response to the US warnings, China issued a proposal calling for a cease-fire and peace talks between Ukraine and Russia. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy welcomed China’s involvement but cautioned that success would depend on actions, not words. The proposed talks are a significant development, as it suggests that China may be willing to play a more active role in resolving the conflict.
Alexander Lukashenko (Via Alexander Lukashenko/Twitter)
The visit by President Lukashenko to Beijing is also notable given the upcoming plans for Chinese President Xi Jinping to visit Russia. The two leaders have a “no-limits friendship,” and their meeting is likely to be closely watched by the international community. The situation is complex, with multiple actors involved and competing interests. However, one thing is clear: the outcome of this conflict will have significant implications for global politics and stability.
The US remains concerned about the potential consequences of China providing military aid to Russia, including the possibility of further escalating the conflict and undermining regional security. The decision by China to provide such aid would be a significant departure from its long-standing policy of non-interference in the affairs of other countries. The implications of such a move would be far-reaching, with potential consequences for global stability and the balance of power in the region.
The visit by President Lukashenko to Beijing is a significant development in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The US warnings to China against providing military aid to Russia are a clear indication of the concerns surrounding this issue. The situation is complex, with multiple actors involved and competing interests. The outcome of this conflict will have significant implications for global politics and stability, making it essential for all parties involved to engage in constructive dialogue and work towards a peaceful resolution.
