Belarus defense minister in China to cook up deal

Andrei Raukou. File photo: BELTA
Andrei Raukou. File photo: BELTA

Belarus Defense Minister Gen. Lt. Andrei Raukou is paying an official visit to China. According to the press office of Belarusian Defense Ministry, Raukou will meet with the leadership of Chinese Armed Forces, including the Defense Minister. During the meeting, the parties will discuss "bilateral military cooperation issues.'

In the past two weeks, Belarus Army and Defense Minister have been in the spotlight of media and public attention after the tragic death of conscript soldier Aliaksandr Korzhych amid widespread hazing reports dating to several years back. Activists collected thousands of signatures calling for Raukou's resignation. On 30 October, several activists were detained and fined in Barysau for voicing demands to hold those responsible for the soldier's death and on the defense minister to resign.