ISW tells why Lukashenko visits China and why results are beneficial to Putin

This is stated in the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) report.

Self-proclaimed President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko and Chinese President Xi Jinping signed a package of 16 documents on March 1. It is noted that they may facilitate Russian sanctions evasion by channeling Chinese aid to Russia through Belarus.

The documents include a strategy for joint Belarusian-Chinese industrial development, a document on Belarusian-Chinese scientific and technical cooperation for 2023-2024, and a memorandum of understanding on joint projects using Chinese government loans.

"Lukashenko stated that Belarusian manufacturers are interested in studying the "competencies and technologies of Chinese companies in the formation of a component base, the production of engines, transmissions, axles, other components, and assemblies." 

Previously, ISW estimated that China might covertly transport military or dual-purpose equipment to Russia through Belarus.

Experts assume that in this way Alexander Lukashenko seeks to strengthen China's economic influence in Belarus in order to "hedge against Russian integration pressure, although these measures will at most delay Russia’s ongoing campaign to secure full economic control of Belarus."

• The White House made it clear to China that in case of providing lethal aid to Russia there will be serious consequences.

• The United States is discussing the possibility of introducing new sanctions against China if Beijing provides military support to Russia to wage a full-scale war in Ukraine.