Xi Jinping Backs Belarus as Strategic Ally Amid Western Sanctions

Chinese President Xi Jinping hailed Belarus as a “true friend” during a high-profile meeting with President Alexander Lukashenko in Beijing, reinforcing China’s growing alliance with the Russia-aligned nation amid mounting Western pressure.

The visit marks Lukashenko’s first trip to China since claiming victory in Belarus’ controversial January election, which extended his 31-year rule but was dismissed by the West as illegitimate. Facing sweeping sanctions for supporting Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Belarus has turned increasingly toward China and other Eastern partners.

Xi congratulated Lukashenko on his re-election and emphasized their nations’ “unbreakable” political trust. He called on both countries to jointly resist “hegemony and bullying” and uphold global fairness and justice. Lukashenko, echoing the sentiment, pointed to growing Western pressure, notably on China, and praised Beijing as a global leader drawing international attention.

Belarus has deepened economic and strategic ties with China, becoming a BRICS partner and a member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in 2024. Minsk is seeking Beijing’s support to modernize its industries and secure investment and credit, compensating for lost Western trade.

Despite growing cooperation, trade remains imbalanced. China’s trade surplus with Belarus surged 47.6% year-on-year to $4.77 billion in 2024, driven by strong Chinese exports of vehicles, electronics, and appliances, far outpacing imports of Belarusian goods such as fertilizers.

The meeting follows Xi’s visit to Russian President Vladimir Putin, where both leaders pledged to reshape a new world order free from U.S. dominance. With former U.S. President Donald Trump back in office, pressure has intensified on both Moscow and Beijing, renewing global tensions.

Xi and Lukashenko’s meeting underscores a shifting geopolitical landscape, with China positioning itself as a central force among U.S.-sanctioned states.