China defence chief Li Shangfu hails ‘fraternal relations’ in Belarus trip, marking first visit since Russia invaded Ukraine
- Closer military cooperation between Beijing and Minsk a focus of Li’s trip and economic ties also celebrated
- China’s relations with Russia and Belarus have grown stronger since the Russian invasion of Ukraine
Li told defence chief Viktor Khrenin that cooperation between the two countries was “steadily developing and moving forward”, according to the state-owned Belarusian Telegraph Agency (BelTA).
“[In recent years] the relations between Belarus and China have been continuously strengthening, steadily developing and moving forward,” Li said, in his second meeting with Khrenin this year.
“Last year we received a new status of our relations – it is an all-weather and comprehensive strategic partnership. This shows that now we have truly fraternal relations.”
Beijing has not yet published a readout of the meeting, which followed discussions between Li and Khrenin at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) defence ministers’ meeting in April in New Delhi.
According to BelTA, Li is expected to discuss bilateral military cooperation in areas of mutual interest during his visit, which will include tours of a number of defence facilities.
