ru.euronews.com
Xi and Lukashenko Strengthen Ties Amid Western Sanctions
Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko in Beijing on Wednesday, emphasizing their strategic partnership amid Western sanctions on Belarus; China's trade surplus with Belarus increased by 47.6% in 2024, reaching $4.77 billion.
- What are the immediate economic and political implications of China's strengthened partnership with Belarus?
- Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on Wednesday, emphasizing the importance of their countries' friendly and partnership relations, which China views and develops strategically and long-term. This was Lukashenko's 15th trip to China, his first since his re-election, disputed by the opposition and the West. Xi congratulated Lukashenko and stated China's readiness to support Belarus's sustainable development and mutually beneficial cooperation.
- What are the potential long-term economic and political consequences of the growing economic imbalance between China and Belarus?
- China's significant trade surplus with Belarus, which increased by 47.6% in 2024 to $4.77 billion, reveals an economic imbalance. While China pledges to deepen cooperation, focusing on Belarus's machinery and technological modernization, the imbalance, with China exporting significantly more goods than importing, persists. This raises concerns about Belarus's long-term economic dependence on China.
- How does this meeting reflect the broader geopolitical context of Western sanctions against Belarus and the evolving relationship between China and Russia?
- The meeting, held at Xi's residence, signifies the strong relationship between the two leaders. Lukashenko described it as a 'family meeting,' highlighting the personal bond between them. This visit comes as Belarus seeks to strengthen ties with the East amid Western sanctions imposed due to its support for Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the meeting and its outcomes very positively, emphasizing the 'friendly and partner relations' and the 'family' atmosphere of the meeting between Xi and Lukashenko. This positive framing overshadows potential concerns about human rights and democratic deficits in both countries. The repeated use of quotes praising the relationship, and the description of the meeting location as a sign of special favor, skews the narrative to favour the official viewpoint of the involved governments. The headline (if there was one, it's not provided in the text) likely amplified this positive framing.
Language Bias
The language used contains some loaded terms. Phrases such as "friendly and partner relations", "intensify our relations", and "family meeting" create a positive and warm atmosphere that may not reflect the full complexity of the relationship. Terms such as 'hegemony and intimidation' when describing Western pressure are value-laden terms used to paint a negative picture without providing further details or evidence. Neutral alternatives could include describing the relations as 'developing bilateral ties', the meeting as 'a private meeting', and the Western pressure as 'sanctions' or 'diplomatic pressure'.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the meeting between Xi Jinping and Alexander Lukashenko, highlighting the strengthening of ties between China and Belarus. However, it omits perspectives from Belarusian opposition groups who contest Lukashenko's legitimacy, and Western viewpoints critical of the authoritarian regimes and their alignment. The lack of these perspectives limits the reader's understanding of the geopolitical complexities involved. While brevity may necessitate some omissions, the absence of these viewpoints constitutes a significant bias.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a simplified view of the geopolitical landscape, portraying a dichotomy between the West and China-Belarus alliance. It overlooks the nuances and complexities of international relations, suggesting that countries must choose a side, rather than acknowledging possibilities of multi-polar alliances and independent foreign policies. The description of Lukashenko's view of Western pressure implies that there is only one viewpoint, instead of acknowledging diverse opinions even within the Western world.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights China's commitment to supporting Belarus' economic development through initiatives like technological modernization. This aligns with SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by aiming to reduce economic disparities between the two countries and foster more equitable economic growth. While economic imbalances remain, the focus on cooperation suggests a move towards a more balanced and sustainable partnership.