BEIJING (AP) — Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, a close ally of Russia, was expected to arrive in Beijing on Tuesday for a state visit that will be…
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, a close ally of Russia, was expected to arrive in Beijing on Tuesday for a state visit that will be watched closely for signs that China could change its stance on Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.
The three-day trip is a reminder that the war in Ukraine has far-reaching effects on global alliances. China, which has long retained close ties with Lukashenko, said the visit is an “opportunity to promote the further development of all-around cooperation between the two countries.” But it comes after U.S. officials warned that China was considering sending military assistance to Russia.
China has called the U.S. allegations a smear campaign, saying it is committed to promoting peace talks.
But hosting Lukashenko illustrates the depth of Beijing’s ties to Russian leader Vladimir Putin and his allies.
