"China and Belarus are good friends. We are developing a comprehensive strategic partnership, and our relations have withstood challenges from international turbulence. Our friendship is only growing stronger," Xi said, adding that he was ready to hold further in-depth discussions with Lukashenko on issues of mutual interest.

Xi also highlighted the two countries' co-operation under China's Belt and Road Initiative and Beijing's broader global initiatives, saying the partnership had produced "new results" while maintaining close co-ordination on international affairs.

Lukashenko told Xi he had travelled to Beijing directly from the Moscow region, where he had met Russian President Vladimir Putin a day earlier before flying to China.

"It feels like home," Lukashenko remarked as he greeted Xi, who described the Belarusian leader as "my dear friend" and noted that the pair met regularly to discuss a wide range of issues.

The visit comes as China and Belarus continue to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties despite heightened geopolitical tensions and Western sanctions imposed on Minsk over its support for Russia following the invasion of Ukraine.

China has remained one of Belarus' closest international partners, expanding trade, investment and infrastructure co-operation while backing closer political engagement between the two countries.

Without mentioning names, Lukashenko referenced previous laureates, saying, “Remember the case with the U.S. President who did nothing at all, became President, and received this prize.”

Calling the decision “shortsighted” and a “disservice to the peace process,” Lukashenko warned that snubbing Trump could damage future diplomatic efforts. “Trump has done quite a bit for peace... I am absolutely convinced that he should have been tied to the peaceful process with this prize.”

He also dismissed Machado, saying, “I don’t know this Venezuelan person and don’t want to speak about him,” adding that the Nobel Committee had chosen someone “not interested in peace.”