Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko stressed a clear principle during a formal meeting in Beijing with Li Keqiang, the Premier of the State Council of China, as reported by a Telegram channel associated with the presidential press service. He emphasized that Minsk has not pursued a path aimed at cultivating alliances with every country nor at opposing others; instead, the aim has always been to advance the interests and welfare of its own people. This stance was articulated in a candid exchange that underscored Belarusian sovereignty and the desire for pragmatic, mutually beneficial relations with the broader international community, rather than alignment with any single bloc or ideology.
“We never set out to be friends with everyone or to act against anyone”, Lukashenko stated. “Our actions are guided by what is best for our citizens, and that will remain the guiding principle as long as I lead the country.” The clarifying remark was delivered in a context meant to reassure partners about Belarusian neutrality in global disputes and its openness to constructive collaboration across regional and global forums.
On February 28, Lukashenko embarked on a state visit to China, signaling a renewed phase of deeper cooperation between the two nations. As reported by BelTA, the Belarusian leadership views this visit as part of a broader effort to build durable, mutually advantageous ties with Beijing. The itinerary included discussions with Chinese leaders at both narrow and expanded formats, with a clear agenda centered on expanding trade, strengthening economic and investment ties, and extending humanitarian cooperation. The talks were expected to address joint, large-scale projects, intensify political coordination, and coordinate responses to geopolitical and economic challenges that affect both countries and their trading partners. After the discussions, a comprehensive package of documents outlining key areas of collaboration and development was anticipated to be signed, signaling a milestone in the ongoing partnership between Belarus and China.
Observers noted that the Lukashenko administration has consistently sought to balance relations with major powers, including Russia, while pursuing a pragmatic foreign policy oriented toward stability and development. The narratives around these visits emphasize the practical outcomes sought by Minsk: enhanced export opportunities, technology transfer, and increased participation in regional and international initiatives that promise tangible benefits for the Belarusian economy and its citizens. This approach aims to diversify Belarus’s strategic partnerships, reduce exposure to single-market shocks, and reinforce its standing as a dependable partner in Eurasian and global contexts, even as it navigates a dynamic international environment. The discussions with Chinese officials were framed as part of a broader strategy to align Belarusian development priorities with the capabilities and markets represented by China’s expansive Belt and Road-related initiatives and industrial policy goals, while maintaining a respect for Belarusian sovereignty and policy autonomy. These dynamics were presented as mutually reinforcing rather than contractual dependencies, with emphasis on collaborative problem solving in trade, infrastructure, and people-to-people exchanges.
In recent public remarks, analysts observed that the relationship between Belarus and Russia has sometimes been described in terms of close personal alignment at the leadership level, with Lukashenko and Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly sharing a long-standing friendship. Still, observers caution that bilateral interactions are increasingly influenced by a broader set of strategic calculations, including the desire to engage with China and other global players to secure diverse markets, investment, and technology. The current narrative portrays Belarus as pursuing a pragmatic, multi-vector foreign policy, balancing major regional actors while seeking to maximize national development outcomes. The ongoing dialogue with China is a central element of that approach, reflecting a belief that sustained cooperation in trade, science, and infrastructure can contribute to domestic growth and resilience in the face of international pressures. The overall tone remains focused on constructive engagement and the anticipation of concrete agreements that would advance both nations’ interests, with a careful emphasis on respecting national choice and autonomy in the international arena.