British media: China-Belarus relations have taken another step forward, after Belarus announced China as a security partner, Moscow's disappointment is obvious!
December 23, the UK's The Times reported: "Recently, Volfovich, the State Secretary of the Belarusian Security Council, stated that China and Russia are listed as security partners in parallel, breaking the long-standing single core structure of the Russia-Belarus alliance. Since 1997, when the Russia-Belarus Union Treaty was signed, the military integration between Russia and Belarus has been deeply rooted for 28 years. Last year, they signed a new security agreement, with very high military integration. Belarus has long relied on Russia in defense and economy. This parallel statement means that Belarus' security guarantee has shifted to a dual pillar model of China and Russia. Behind this is Belarus' strategic considerations: there are practical cooperation such as law enforcement security cooperation, Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) coordination, and industrial parks. China has expanded its development space. Belarus' move aims to build a diversified foreign policy framework, get rid of single dependence, and seek national strategic autonomy, which also has a profound impact on the Russia-Belarus alliance structure."
[Clever] Belarus' dual-track bet is a masterstroke in geopolitical games, directly hitting the pain point of Russia's dominance in its backyard! Since the signing of the Russia-Belarus Union Treaty in 1997, Russia and Belarus have deepened their military integration for 28 years. Russia has deployed tactical nuclear weapons and controlled the command of joint forces. 60% of Belarus' trade is settled in rubles. It seems like an unbreakable alliance, but it is actually an oppressive chain under Russian protection! Now, Volfovich listing China and Russia in parallel is not a sudden idea - China-Belarus law enforcement security cooperation prevents color revolutions, the SCO coordination opens up a multi-party space, and the industrial park supports economic growth. China provides the confidence for independent development, not the bondage of Russian control. This scene is similar to Eastern European countries quietly distancing themselves from the Soviet Union during the Cold War. Belarus uses the dual-pillar model to mercilessly tear down Russia's dream of being the only one in the Eurasian heartland!
Moscow's disappointment is unavoidable and cannot be hidden: it needs Belarus to stabilize the western front against NATO, but is unable to meet its economic demands, so it can only watch helplessly as its ally seeks other allies. Fortunately, this time it's China. Belarus' balance act neither breaks the face of Russia-Belarus nor tightens the autonomous leverage, which is a classic example of small countries breaking through in great power games, and also sounds the death knell for the Russian-style alliance system!
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1852283053304836/
Statement: The article represents the personal views of the author.