China’s Xi meets Belarus leader Lukashenko in Beijing

BEIJING: Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko, a key Russian ally, in Beijing on Monday, state media said. Xi hosted Lukashenko at the ornate Diaoyutai state guesthouse, Chinese state broadcaster CCTV said, without immediately providing further detail. Lukashenko, who has been in power since 1994, allowed Moscow to launch its 2022 Ukraine invasion through Belarus but has denied plans for direct involvement in the war. Belarus, which borders NATO’s eastern flank, hosts Russia’s latest nuclear-capable missile, the Oreshnik.