Published on
August 28, 2025
Belarus has recently intensified its partnership with China through the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), concentrating on sports and tourism, which enhances ties between the two countries. Things moved into higher gear after Belarus joined the SCO in 2024, which accelerated cooperation, paving the way for new avenues for cross-cultural interactions and collaborative projects. Sergey Kovalchuk, the Minister of Sports and Tourism for Belarus, stressed the significance of the partnership in his remarks regarding the SCO. He explained how the cooperation in the SCO helps develop cultural diplomacy and how the cooperation provides avenues for cross-border interactions while embracing courtesy and amity.
A New Chapter in Belarus-China Relations
Minister Kovalchuk expressed the belief that the SCO membership provides great opportunities for Belarus regarding its sports and tourism infrastructure. He noted that the SCO is distinguished by the amalgamation of sports and culture, which emphasizes the significance of sporting activities and helps bring unity among diverse peoples, which is one of the important aspects of the SCO. This paves the way not only for the advancement of sports but also for the development of tourism, which fosters friendship and appreciation between the two nations.
Embracing the full advantage of its membership in the SCO, Belarus has been strengthening its relations with China. In this cooperation, China also helps Belarus with the construction of modern sports facilities. An example of this cooperation is the Belarusian International Standard Swimming Pool and National Football Stadium, which now meet international competition standards. With this new infrastructure, Belarus will be able to host large international competitions and provide unparalleled facilities for its athletes.
Sports Infrastructure Development In Belarus
An important issue in the Belarus-China relations in the field of sports is the creation of new facilities. The construction of the National Football Stadium marked China’s increasing willingness to aid Belarus, and it has hosted many important sports events. These world-class sports facilities should optimally increase the’ capacity of Belarus to host international events.
Minister Kovalchuk made note of how this cooperation has already yielded results, such as the inclusion of Chinese sports programs within the SCO framework. There have been several coordinated competitions and many more expert-led programs that have successfully been designed and implemented, allowing member states to participate and collectively contribute to the advancement of sports.
Soccer Diplomacy and Cultural Exchange
Regarding soccer, the Belarusian government has shown great interest in the joint training and cultural exchange programs with China. Reciprocal visits of football teams have been an important part of China-Belarus relations and have contributed to the football teams’ mutual understanding and appreciation. These initiatives will enhance the abilities of both countries in international football. Minister Kovalchuk indicated that with these initiatives, he expects strengthening of China-Belarus relations and greater performance of the countries in international football.
Belarus is now more focused on utilizing its collaboration with China to develop tourism alongside sports. The Minister explained that the rising tourism from China due to the direct flights benefits both economies. Belarus’s increasing cultural exchange with China is shown by the growing population of Chinese restaurants along with Chinese signs in cities.
The Impact of Chinese Relations on the Growth of International Tourism for Belarus
Kovalchuk pointed out the tourism’s increasing importance in Belarus-China relations. He emphasized that tourism plays an important part as a “unique bridge” to the growing partnership. The addition of international flights to Belarus has greatly improved travel. Tourists from both nations are able to enjoy Belarus’s multicultural, rich history along with its famous medical services.
Chinese tourists are drawn to Belarus due to its beautiful landscapes, historical sites, and a blend of Western and Eastern cuisine. Recently, the country has included wellness tourism and other forms of holistic travel, enhancing the cultural exchanges through tourism. Furthermore, the beautiful countryside along with the vibrant cities of Belarus attracts tourists who are looking for a blend of modernity and tradition.
A Warm Welcome for Chinese Tourists
The minister specifically mentioned that the Chinese tourists show great interest in visiting Belarus and marked an extremely warm welcome for them. Along with infrastructure changes, services for visitors from China have greatly improved, making Belarus a more friendly tourism hub. Increasingly popular Chinese travel services and the expanding tourism sector suggest a large increase in the number of Chinese visitors to Belarus in the near future.
The interest of Chinese tourists is seen in the constant construction of additional facilities to meet their requirements. Local officials noted the emergence of additional Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities that are intended to boost the atmosphere of hospitality for tourists. As the relations between Belarus and China deepen, tourism is expected to be one of the primary areas for sustaining and strengthening this partnership for years to come.
Conclusion: Strengthening Belarus-China Relations
The Belarus-China relationship in sports and tourism has benefited greatly from the SCO’s influence, and its impact is undeniable. Minister Kovalchuk’s comments offer valuable insight into the significance of such activities in strengthening bilateral relations and building sustainable partnerships. The collaboration between Belarus and China in sports and tourism as prominent facilitators of cultural exchange is expected to provide high returns for both countries and broaden the possibilities for their citizens, and further integrate their cultures and sports into the global sphere.
