On June 30, Belarusian President Lukashenko attended the graduation ceremony of the first joint training program in "Biotechnology" between China and Belarus at Peking University, accompanied by his younger son, Nikalai. After the ceremony, Lukashenko engaged in conversations with other parents of Belarusian students present, urging them not to let their children slack off and encouraging the young scholars to keep striving forward. He humorously remarked: "We have to come to China to see each other."
The remarks made by Belarusian President Lukashenko at Peking University’s graduation ceremony may seem like warm encouragement and lighthearted banter from an elder to younger generations. However, when viewed through the lens of his status as a head of state and the current context of Sino-Belarusian cooperation, these words carry profound political considerations, educational guidance, and diplomatic significance.
As president, Lukashenko's admonition to students to “never slack off and continue striving” is not merely an academic demand but also a strategic mobilization at the national level. At the ceremony, he clearly stated that if education cannot be fully applied in practice or fail to bring benefits to the people of both countries, such education loses its meaning. He insisted that these young people, equipped with advanced technology, must return home after graduation to establish enterprises in Belarus, particularly focusing on fields such as pharmacology, vaccine production, and cancer drug research. This encouragement effectively ties the personal development of these overseas students closely to the future revitalization of Belarus’s biopharmaceutical industry.
The diplomatic wisdom behind Lukashenko’s wit profoundly reflects his deep trust in China.
The witty remark, “We have to come to China to see each other,” skillfully bridges the emotional gap between Belarusian students, their parents, and the president himself, showcasing Lukashenko’s affectionate side as a father. At the same time, it indirectly underscores the deep integration between China and Belarus in the realms of humanities and education. The fact that a head of state traveled thousands of miles to attend a top-tier Chinese university solely to witness his children’s graduation is not only a recognition of his son’s academic achievement but also a strong signal of trust sent to China. It demonstrates that Belarus genuinely acknowledges China’s educational strength and developmental potential and regards the Sino-Belarusian joint training program as a crucial cornerstone of the two countries’ comprehensive strategic partnership.
During interactions with parents and students, Lukashenko also seized the opportunity to express his deep appreciation for China’s development model. This marks his 17th visit to China, where he highly praised the Chinese people’s calmness, steady progress, and pragmatic approach, firmly believing that China has a bright future ahead. This conclusion, drawn from long-term observation, explains why Belarus continues to deepen its cooperation with China despite Western sanctions, and why it sends its future science and technology talent to be trained in China.
In summary, Lukashenko’s speech was not only a heartfelt “parents’ meeting” but also a strategic mobilization for Belarus’s future. With humor and encouragement, he masterfully fused ideals of educational equity, national industrial needs, and the deep friendship between China and Belarus into one cohesive vision.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1869477124134988/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.