TALLINN: China’s Minister for Defense Li Shangfu on Thursday visited Belarus and said Beijing would enhance defense cooperation with Belarus.
China-Belarus ties
AP reported that Li Shangfu met with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko in Minsk and said “The aim of his trip to Belarus is precisely the execution of key deals at the level of heads of state and the further strengthening of bilateral defense cooperation.
Neither side gave more details about the cooperation, but they have agreed to hold joint military drills in the upcoming year.
Li Shangfu visited Moscow just before going to Belarus. AP reported that Russian forces that were deployed in Belarus were part of Moscow’s invading force in Ukraine.
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Belarusian troops have not taken part in the war in Ukraine, and President Lukashenko on Thursday said China’s military help would not be directed against third nations. Earlier, Lukashenko said Belarus has taken delivery of Russian nuclear arms and on Thursday, he explained they could only be utilized by Belarus if the nation was under serious threat.
Lukashenko added that his country would not enter into hostilities against Kyiv as long as its borders were not violated.
Beijing claims to be neutral in the war in Ukraine but blames Washington and its allies for provoking Moscow.
