How Belarus is seeking to balance Russia ties with stronger China relations

In 2016, while Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko still had relatively good relations with the West, Minsk and Beijing established a comprehensive strategic partnership. In 2017, the Belarusian government offered 22 state-owned enterprises for privatisation exclusively to Chinese businesses, but none have attracted any interest.

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Belarusian President Lukashenko meets with Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, amid Ukraine crisis

Being a landlocked nation far from China, it is questionable how appealing Belarus would be to Chinese military strategists. However, as part of the military cooperation between the two countries, Chinese and Belarusian companies have jointly developed the Polonez multiple launch rocket system. The last thing the West wants is this weapon ending up in Russian hands.

For Belarus, on the other hand, China and Russia are key markets for its export-oriented economy. As one of Belarus’ largest trading partners, China has so far financed at least 35 joint projects in the former Soviet republic. But Lukashenko now wants to see more Chinese technology in Belarus even though his country remains firmly in Russia’s geopolitical orbit.

The Belarusian leader probably believes he can maintain strong relationships with both China and Russia without having to reduce cooperation with either. This is underscored by Belarus’s decision to join the SCO, which reflects Minsk’s intention to strengthen ties with China while continuing to nurture its partnership and military alliance with the Kremlin.

Nikola Mikovic is a freelance journalist, researcher and analyst based in Serbia