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Why Western sanctions could push Belarus to switch to Chinese tech
- After swift response to diverted flight and journalist’s arrest PM says Belarus will replace US and European technologies with those from Russia and Asia
- China must communicate with Russia on any involvement because of ‘Russia’s long-standing influence in Belarus’: professor
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China and Belarus could forge stronger military and technology ties as sanctions from the West prompt Minsk to look to Beijing for more support, diplomatic observers said.
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The European Union and the United States imposed sanctions on Belarus after a flight heading to Lithuania from Greece was forced to land in Minsk and Belarusian dissident journalist Roman Protasevich was arrested last month.
The EU barred its airlines from using Belarusian airspace and Belarus planes were banned from EU airspace. The US also reimposed blocking sanctions on nine Belarusian state-owned companies.
In addition, EU foreign ministers have been discussing sanctions targeting the Belarusian financial sector and the export of potash, which plays a key role in its economy. The US is also planning new sanctions.
02:24
Belarus releases video of jailed journalist Roman Protasevich as EU sanctions Minsk
Belarus releases video of jailed journalist Roman Protasevich as EU sanctions Minsk
Belarusian Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko responded by saying his country was ready to replace US and European technologies with those from Russia and Asia, especially from China.
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