China’s Defense Minister Touts ‘Fraternal Relations’ With Belarus

Chinese Defense Minister Li Shangfu met with his Belarusian counterpart in Minsk to discuss strengthening bilateral ties. Gen Li’s trip, analysts say, may be intended to drive attention away from China’s real problem: its ailing economy.

China's Defense Minister Li Shangfu addresses a speech during the Moscow Conference on International Security in Kubinka, in the outskirts of Moscow, on Aug. 15, 2023. Alexander Nemenov/AFP via Getty Images

China’s defense minister kicked off a three-day visit to Belarus this week amid mounting economic problems at home and tensions with the United States.

Defense Minister Li Shangfu met with Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin after arriving in Minsk on Aug. 16.