**Belarusian Leader to Visit China**
Belarus’s leader, Alexander Lukashenko, will visit China this month. This comes before a presidential election in Belarus on January 26.
**Lukashenko’s Relationship with China**
Belarus is isolated from the West because of its repressive government and support for Russia‘s war against Ukraine. But it has found an ally in China. In August, Belarus and China agreed to strengthen their security ties and work together more closely.
**Why Lukashenko is Visiting China**
Lukashenko wants to improve cooperation between Belarus and China in areas like medicine, engineering, and the military. He also hopes that China can help reduce Belarus’s dependence on Russia. This could make it easier for him to get support from Russia and China in the elections.
**Economic Pressure from Russia**
Russia has a lot of influence over Belarus because of its economic power and energy supplies. Belarus owes Russia money, and there are Russian troops stationed in the country. Lukashenko wants China’s help to break free from these pressures.
**History of Elections in Belarus**
Lukashenko is trying for his seventh term as president. But many people do not expect the election on January 26 to be fair or free. Two years ago, when Belarus held elections, protests broke out and the West said they were rigged. Lukashenko’s government used force to stop the protesters.
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