The recent summit between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko in Beijing underscores the deepening economic and political cooperation between the two nations. This meeting marks their second encounter this year, reflecting a sustained commitment to enhancing bilateral relations.
Since 2013, Xi and Lukashenko have met 13 times, signaling strong mutual economic interests. Trade between Beijing and Minsk has seen significant growth, reaching $5.08 billion in 2022—a 33% increase from the previous year. From January to August 2023 alone, trade volumes surged to $5.83 billion, with Belarusian exports to China soaring by 77% in 2022.
Economic cooperation was a central theme at the December 4 summit. In March, following their previous meeting, Xi described the China-Belarus friendship as "unbreakable," emphasizing the importance of political trust and partnership. This enduring relationship is further evidenced by China’s Belt and Road Initiative, within which Belarus plays a key role. Minsk is actively seeking new markets to support its export-driven economy, as demonstrated by the participation of over 70 Belarusian enterprises in the recent China International Import Expo in Shanghai.
Lukashenko highlighted the longstanding friendship with China, stating, \"We decided a long time ago that we would cooperate and live in friendship with China. This friendship is more than 30 years old.\" While China is Belarus' second-largest economic partner after Russia, Belarus continues to maintain strong ties with Moscow, its primary export destination. The harmonious economic interests of China and Russia in Belarus allow Minsk to expand its cooperation with both nations without conflict.
As of October 2022, China has financed at least 35 infrastructure projects in Belarus, including the significant China-Belarus Industrial Park \"Great Stone.\" These investments highlight China's pivotal role in supporting Belarus's economic development and infrastructure growth.
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Xi-Lukashenko summit: Why good personal relations in diplomacy matter
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