Poland set to shut border with Belarus amid migrants crisis

Poland is considering the possibility of completely closing all border crossings with Belarus, Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said on Polish TVN24.

"We are currently studying the consequences for our economy and local communities," Sikorski said.

He cites the example of the closure of the Russian-Finnish border during a worsening migration crisis. The radical solution helped cope with the growing flow of irregular migration. Sikorski said Poland would decide after analyzing the possible consequences.

"So that Lukashenka, and not us, feels the consequences," the head of the Polish Foreign Ministry added.

The head of National Anti-Crisis Management (NAM), Pavel Latushka, commented on the Polish foreign minister's statement. He supports the closure of all border crossings for cargo. However, he emphasizes the importance of maintaining the possibility for Belarusian citizens to cross the border through passenger checkpoints.

"It is important to preserve the possibility for Belarusians to communicate with Europe," Latushka said. 

What does China have to do with this?

Previously, we told you what the complete closure of border crossings with Belarus could lead to. Among the less obvious aspects of this issue is China.

"Closing the borders will be a complete failure of the Chinese economic policy "One Belt, One Road" in Belarus in terms of long-term investment in the development of transit opportunities between China and Europe," the "Community of Railway Workers of Belarus" explained to the Euroradio journalist. 
This includes the Great Stone Industrial Park project in Minsk. One of its priority development areas is also based on its strategic location at the intersection of two international transport corridors near the borders of the largest economic zones of the European Union and the Eurasian Economic Union.

The competitiveness of the created routes and transport corridors has been achieved through the many years of efforts of all interested countries. It cannot be restored easily and quickly. It requires huge investments and many years if not decades.

Polish President Andrzej Duda is currently on an official visit to Beijing. On Monday, he will be holding talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The Belarusian issue may be raised during these negotiations.