Viachaslau Pazniak: There is upper limit in Belarus-China relations

With difficulties in economic and monetary spheres, Belarusan authorities China is viewed as a potential source of support. However, it is hard to count on immediate results when dealing with Beijing.

Such observations in the talk with the EuroBelarus Information Service made Viachaslau Pazniak, political scientist and PhD in philosophy.

Ranked together with Russia and Venezuela

When speaking about relations with China, Belarusan authorities often refer to it as to the “strategic partnership”. Viachaslau Pazniak believes that this definition is used to emphasize particularly close stance of the two countries, concordance of foreign policy orientation as well as interests concerning most complicated and important international issues. “Actually, China is included in the number of such strategic partners as Russia, Venezuela and, to some extent, Kazakhstan”, - noted the political scientist.

All in all, he characterized Belarus-China relations as rather consistent and mutually beneficial. The volume of mutual trade is rather sufficient; China has also opened rather impressive credit line for Belarusan authorities, whereas Belarus implements different economic, industrial and infrastructure projects with China. Military and technical cooperation of the two countries is perspective, too. Official Beijing has more than once supported Belarus, which is being criticized by the western countries for the situation with the democracy and human rights.

“Belarusan President was repeatedly noticed saying that our country is a strategic springboard for China and is ready to be a referent point for China while it promotes its own interests in Central and Eastern Europe as well as in the territory of the Customs Union”, - Viachaslau Pazniak recalled.

Moscow as an objective restrictive factor

At the same time, when comparing with Russia, China performs much more pragmatic policy in relation to Belarus. “But there is nothing surprising in that, as the history of Belarus-Russia relations is much longer and deeper than that with China”, - the political scientist noted.

Besides, Beijing has no interests in being an opponent or a rival for the official Moscow. “Of course, relations with Russia are much more important for China than such relations with Belarus. Thus, it would be counterproductive to have conflicts with Russia for Belarus”, - emphasized the expert.

If considered alone, Belarusan potential is of little importance for China. But Belarus can assist with, so to say, “economic take-off” into the countries of Europe and Customs Union.

“I.e. initially there exist objective strategic restrictive factors according to which Belarus does not hold prime interest for Beijing, - Viachaslau Pazniak summed up. – And even if Belarus, as well as China, regard current relations as positive and mutually beneficial, there exists upper limit in Belarus-China relations, which will be almost impossible to raise”.

Belarus has greater need in China than China has in Belarus

 When commenting upon the visit of the Belarusan President to China, the political scientist also noticed that in Belarus-China relations “all such visits are of high importance even if doesn’t result in instant decisions and agreements”.

”The peculiarity of brings closure and sums up the already done work. And it is basing on this work that the Chinese side makes assessments and gives to note that it is ready to make further steps. Considering China’s potential, Belarus has greater need in China than China has in Belarus. That is why this visit also indicates what Belarus would like to get from China and what it could give in return”.

However, in addition to the long-term questions, Belarusan side would also try to resolve the immediate concerns. “Under current conditions of difficulties in economic and monetary sphere in Belarus, it is clear that China with its high potential can be viewed as a possible source of support in every different form. To some extent, these questions will be a part of Belarus’ interests during the forthcoming visit”, - Viachaslau Pazniak presupposes.