Chinese state broadcaster CCTV said Xi hosted Lukashenko at Beijing’s Diaoyutai State Guesthouse but did not immediately disclose details of the discussions or any agreements reached during the meeting.

Lukashenko, who has led Belarus since 1994, remains one of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s closest allies. Belarus allowed Russian forces to use its territory to launch the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, although Lukashenko has consistently denied that Belarus intends to participate directly in the conflict.

Belarus occupies a strategically important position along NATO’s eastern frontier and hosts Russia’s Oreshnik, a nuclear-capable missile system that Moscow has highlighted as part of its evolving military posture.

China has maintained that it is a neutral party in the Ukraine conflict and has repeatedly called for negotiations to end the war. However, Kyiv and several Western governments have accused Beijing of providing political and economic support that has helped sustain Russia’s war effort, allegations China has denied.

The meeting follows Lukashenko’s previous visit to China in September 2025, when he attended a military parade in Beijing and participated in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Tianjin.

The latest talks reflect continuing diplomatic engagement between Beijing and Minsk as China seeks to strengthen ties with strategic partners while navigating heightened competition with Western powers over global security and economic issues.

Wang told Tajani that China is prepared to work with Italy to unlock further “potential” in bilateral ties, signalling interest in deepening collaboration despite broader shifts in global trade dynamics.

China is open to expanding cooperation in areas including e-commerce, agriculture and food, healthcare and the development of industrial parks, the commerce ministry said, outlining sectors seen as key to future engagement.

The meeting reflects ongoing efforts by Beijing to sustain and diversify trade relationships with European partners, as global supply chains and geopolitical alignments continue to evolve.