China’s Defense Minister, Li Shangfu, is scheduled to embark on a significant diplomatic journey encompassing visits to Russia and Belarus from Monday through Saturday, as confirmed by the Chinese Ministry of Defense.
One of the highlights of Li’s itinerary is his participation in the Moscow Conference on International Security, where he is slated to deliver an address and engage in discussions with defense leaders from Russia and various other nations. The conference serves as a platform for international dialogues on critical security matters. According to Wu Qian, the spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Defense, Li’s engagement in this high-profile event underscores China’s commitment to fostering cooperation and mutual understanding among global defense stakeholders.
Following his involvement in the Moscow conference, Li’s journey will take him to Belarus, where he is set to engage in a series of meetings with key leaders and military officials. The discussions aim to strengthen bilateral ties and promote strategic collaboration in the realm of defense and security.
Notably, Li’s upcoming visit follows a previous trip to Russia in April, during which he held discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin. This ongoing interaction underscores the depth of engagement between China and Russia, particularly in light of recent geopolitical developments.
Amid the backdrop of China’s efforts to position itself as a neutral player in the Ukraine conflict, its actions have demonstrated an inclination towards bolstering economic, diplomatic, and security partnerships with Russia. Of significance is China’s decision not to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which has raised eyebrows on the international stage.
Li Shangfu, a distinguished general and a key figure in China’s military modernization endeavors, was previously subjected to sanctions by the United States in 2018. These sanctions were imposed due to transactions involving Russia’s state-controlled arms exporter, Rosoboronexport, during his tenure leading the Chinese military’s Equipment Development Department.
As Minister Li embarks on this diplomatic journey, his engagements in Russia and Belarus are poised to shape the trajectory of Sino-Russian and Sino-Belarusian relations, influencing both regional dynamics and global security conversations. Observers closely watch this diplomatic initiative, recognizing its implications for the evolving geopolitical landscape.
