Xi Jinping and Alexander Lukashenko Hold Strategic Talks in Beijing

Xi Jinping and Alexander Lukashenko Hold Strategic Talks in Beijing

• Chinese President Xi Jinping hosted Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko at the ornate Diaoyutai State Guesthouse
• Belarus, bordering NATO’s eastern flank, is home to Russia’s latest nuclear‑capable missile, the Oreshnik

BEIJING – Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko, a key Russian ally, on Monday, state media reported. Xi received Lukashenko at the luxurious Diaoyutai guesthouse, as disclosed by China Central Television, which did not immediately provide further details. Lukashenko, who has ruled since 1994, permitted Moscow to launch its 2022 Ukraine invasion through Belarusian territory but has denied any plan for direct involvement. Belarus shares a border with NATO’s eastern frontier and hosts the Oreshnik, Russia’s newest nuclear‑capable missile. Although China presents itself as a neutral party in the conflict, Kyiv’s partners have long accused Beijing of covertly assisting Moscow. Lukashenko’s most recent visit to China took place in September 2025, when he attended a major military parade in Beijing and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Tianjin.

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