As tensions escalate over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, a trusted ally of Russian leader Vladimir Putin, is scheduled to embark on a three-day state visit to Beijing on Tuesday.

Although China asserts that the upcoming visit is a chance to enhance the comprehensive cooperation between the two countries, there are increasing worries that China may extend military aid to Russia, a move that United States officials warn would lead to significant repercussions, the Associated Press reported.

China has dismissed the United States’ accusations as a deliberate attempt to tarnish its reputation, and has reiterated its dedication to advancing peace negotiations. China has also accused the United States and its allies of exacerbating the conflict by furnishing Ukraine with defensive armaments.

“The U.S. has no right to point fingers at China-Russia relations. We will by no means accept the U.S. pressure and coercion,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Monday at a daily briefing, as reported by the AP.

Although Beijing maintains that it is impartial in the ongoing one-year-long war, it has declared that it shares a “no-limits friendship” with Russia and has declined to censure Moscow’s invasion, even refraining from acknowledging it as such.

China has accused NATO and the United States of instigating the conflict and has denounced the sanctions imposed on Russia and other entities perceived to be aiding its military campaign.

Written by Staff