March 16, 2023

Belarus and China’s deepening ties are dangerous for human rights

topic:	Human Rights
located:	Belarus, China
editor:	Katarzyna Rybarczyk

Since Alexander Lukashenko was re-elected for a sixth term in the 2020 elections - which the opposition and the general public believe to have been rigged - relations between Belarus and the EU have deteriorated. 

Belarusian authorities have regularly used violence against peaceful protesters, gradually restricted free media, persecuted activists and used migrants as a bargaining chip against the EU. In an effort to solve these issues, the bloc has imposed numerous sanctions on the authoritarian state. But instead of addressing the EU's recommendations, Belarus has been turning to China.

“The European Union has reacted firmly to the illegal actions of Lukashenko’s regime by imposing robust sanctions on Belarus, as a response to the violations of human rights and international norms and as well as a response to Belarus’ support to Russia’s war of aggression,” said Janez Lenarčič, Commissioner for Crisis Management, to the European Parliament. However, by aligning itself with China rather than undertaking steps to improve the situation, Belarus is sacrificing its relationships with European nations.

A few months ago, Belarus and China signed a “joint declaration on establishing an all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership.” In the beginning of March, leaders of the two countries held talks to further advance their cooperation. 

Regrettably, China is known for undermining democratic principles and for “significant human rights violations and repression of fundamental freedoms in the country,” especially against Uyghurs and other Turkic communities in the Xinjiang region. Unlike the EU, ensuring accountability for violations of human rights in Belarus is not China’s priority. Consequently, Belarus’ choice to comply with China's values poses a threat to the already limited freedoms of Belarusians.

What the authorities of China and Belarus have in common is that they care more about political gains than citizens' wellbeing. If the EU becomes unable to monitor the state of human rights in Belarus, Lukashenko will have the go-ahead to abuse his power. 

Although sanctions seem to be the EU’s default approach to admonish states that disrespect the bloc’s values, in the case of Belarus, they have not had the desired effect. For this reason the EU must come up with alternative solutions to make Lukashenko stop the oppression.

“The attachment to freedom and democracy shown by the people of Belarus is a source of great inspiration for us. It is our duty to continue supporting them and their quest for rights, rule of law, free and fair elections and true independence,” pointed out Janez Lenarčič. 

Rather than allowing Belarus to work more closely with China, and therefore abandoning persecuted individuals in Belarus, the international community should continue to stand up for the respect of human rights in Belarus.

Image by Andrew Keymaster