President Xi Jinping of China and Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus, a close ally of Vladimir Putin, pledged to strengthen defense and security ties. They both agreed on the situation in Ukraine amidst escalating geopolitical tensions happening because of the ongoing war.

At a meeting, as stated in a Chinese Foreign Ministry report, Belarus’ President Lukashenko supported China’s stance on offering a possible political settlement for the Ukraine conflict. China’s 12-point official announcement asks for both parties to acknowledge the United Nations Chapter and offers a way for both parties to resolve the issue while they cease hostilities. 

“Conflict and war benefit no one. All parties must stay rational and exercise restraint, avoid fanning the flames and aggravating tensions, and prevent the crisis from deteriorating further or even spiraling out of control. All parties should support Russia and Ukraine in working in the same direction and resuming direct dialogue as quickly as possible, so as to gradually deescalate the situation and ultimately reach a comprehensive ceasefire,” the proposal states.

China also states that Ukraine and Russia would need to find common ground because UN sanctions are insufficient to pacify both parties.