Author: Medea Ivaniadze
The digest covers China’s political, diplomatic, economic, and other activities in the South Caucasus region and relations between China and the South Caucasus countries. It relies on a wide variety of sources, including the Chinese media. It is worth noting that the Chinese media is controlled by the Chinese Communist Party (according to the World Press Freedom Index China is nearly at the bottom of the list and ranks 172th out of 180 countries).
Armenia-China
PLA delegation’s visit to Armenia
On June 20, China Military Online reported that a Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) delegation for international military cooperation had visited Armenia.
The report said that they had also visited Switzerland and Azerbaijan. During the visit, the delegation met and held talks with “defence authorities of the three countries respectively, exchanged views on military-to-military relations, international and regional security situations, and held consultations on advancing bilateral defence cooperation, which further enriched the contents of defence cooperation between China and relevant countries”.
China – one of the important priorities of Armenia’s foreign policy
On June 19, the delegation led by the Head of the Armenia-China Friendship Group of Armenia’s National Assembly Hakob Arshakyan met in Beijing with the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National People’s Congress of the People’s Representatives of China, the Head of the China-Armenia Friendship Group Lou Qinjian.
Among other things, Arshakyan noted that Armenia considers its relations with China “as one of the important priorities of its foreign policy, which is included in the RA Government programme for 2021- 2026″.
Chinese Ambassador concludes his mission in Armenia
- On July 11, Armenpress reported that a farewell reception was held at the Chinese Embassy on the occasion of the conclusion of Chinese Ambassador Fan Yong’s mission to Armenia. He held the position since October 2020.
In his speech, Fan Yong noted that in 2023, the bilateral trade exceeded $2.1 billion, increasing by 120% compared to 2020, and that under BRI “Chinese companies were successfully implementing the construction of the North-South Road corridor, the modernization of solar power stations and substations, and the upcoming launch of the Public Television Pavilion construction project”.
- On July 13, the Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan received Fan Yong and emphasized the development of multi-layered cooperation between Armenia and China. The Chinese side expressed interest in the development of trade and economic relations with Armenia.
- A similar meeting was held with the President of Armenia Vahagn Khachaturyan who told Fan Yong that China was among the important priorities of the foreign policy of Armenia.
China Southern Airlines to start operating Urumqi-Yerevan flights
From September 3, China Southern Airlines will start operating flights on the Urumqi-Yerevan-Urumqi route for the first time with the frequency of two flights a week, on Tuesdays and Saturdays, News.am reported on July 10.
Armenia-China trade
On July 10, BMG reported that from January to April 2024, China ranked 3rd in trade volume with Armenia ($1.03 billion). Trade with China increased by 61% in the first four months of 2024 and exports from Armenia to China surged by 4.4 times to $588 million, while imports decreased by 12% to $445 million.
Education cooperation
On June 27, the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia hosted an international scientific conference on the topic of Cultural Dialogue: Armenia-China organized by the Institute of Oriental Studies of the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia with the support of the Confucius Institute at Yerevan State University.
While discussing the Chinese language and culture in Armenia, Chinese Ambassador to Armenia Fan Yong said: “The Ministry of Education and Culture of Armenia, which consistently supports these efforts, has made a significant contribution. I should also mention the support provided by the Confucius Institute in Armenia. Currently, more than 5,000 students are studying Chinese in Armenia. This process is not only taking place in universities but also in schools”.
He also added that China was actively promoting cooperation with countries involved in the BRI with a particular emphasis on educational cooperation.
Azerbaijan-China
Azerbaijan and China sign Strategic Partnership Agreement
A photo from the meeting. Source: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan
On July 3, China and Azerbaijan upgraded bilateral relations to a strategic partnership during CCP Chairman Xi Jinping’s meeting with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev ahead of the 24th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
- According to China’s State Council report, Xi noted that the two sides should continue supporting each other “in a bid to bring more benefits to the two peoples”.
He said that China firmly supported Azerbaijan in safeguarding national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and in pursuing a development path suited to its national conditions.
Xi noted that they should promote high-quality BRI cooperation, deepen cooperation in such fields as trade, investment, oil and gas, and photovoltaics, strengthen connectivity, advance the construction of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, and ensure the healthy and stable operation of China-Europe freight trains.
The CCP Chairman added that the two sides should also carry out more exchanges in such areas as education, culture and tourism and between the youths of the two nations and at the sub-national level, and “consolidate the public foundation of China-Azerbaijan friendship”.
“China stands ready to work with Azerbaijan to advocate an equal and orderly world multipolarity, and universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, and promote world peace, stability and development,” Xi said.
In the same report, Aliyev said that Azerbaijan was willing to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China, “tap the potential, enhance cooperation in such areas as economy, trade, investment, new energy and culture within the framework of Belt and Road cooperation, closely collaborate within the SCO and other frameworks, oppose external interference and safeguard regional security and stability”.
According to the Chinese side’s report, Aliyev stated that Azerbaijan firmly abided by “the one-China principle” and firmly supported “China’s great cause of national reunification”, which according to him, “is the trend of history and no force can stop it”. Meanwhile, AzerbaijaniPresident’s report said that “Azerbaijan always supported the one China Policy.”
It is noteworthy that relevant departments of the two sides signed cooperation documents in such areas as BRI cooperation and connectivity.
- In Azerbaijan’s presidential report, Aliyev once again thanked Xi for help during “the Covid-19 epidemic”.
Azerbaijan decided to unilaterally apply visa-free regime for one year for Chinese citizens to develop tourism. According to the Azerbaijani side’s statement, Xi Jinping said that the Chinese side would also consider applying visa-free travel for Azerbaijani citizens.
- The strategic partnership agreement:
“Given the tectonic and complex development of the international and regional situation, the Parties agreed to expand cooperation in the political, economic, and cultural spheres, strengthen interaction in international affairs, jointly protect the common interests of the two countries, as well as jointly promote the cause of regional and global peace, stability and development,” the China-Azerbaijan strategic partnership agreement published by Azerbaijan’s president website said.
The statement begins with the following remark:
“The Parties reaffirm their commitment to mutual respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty, non-aggression, non-interference in internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence. Azerbaijan resolutely supports the “One China” principle, recognizes that there is only one China in the world, the Government of the People’s Republic of China is the only legitimate government representing the whole of China, and that Taiwan is an integral part of China’s territory, firmly opposes any form of “Taiwan independence” and supports the peaceful development of relations between the two shores of the Taiwan Strait, as well as the efforts being made by the Chinese Government for the reunification of China.
China resolutely supports the peace agenda proposed by Azerbaijan and considers counterproductive geopolitical intrigues aimed at maintaining confrontation”.
In the statement, they emphasize “that terrorism, separatism, and extremism pose serious threats to the entire international community and require joining efforts to prevent and combat these challenges”.
The strategic partnership document also said the following: “The Parties express their readiness to strengthen exchanges in order to ensure high-quality and full employment, to improve the social security system and to train qualified personnel to improve the well-being of the population”.
In the joint statement, Azerbaijan and China expressed opposition to “hegemony and the policy of force”, and their adherence to “genuine multilateralism”: “The Parties advocate for the promotion of the common values of humanity – peace, development, equality, justice, democracy, and freedom, as well as contribute to the creation of a community of a common destiny of mankind and a new type of international relations”.
On human rights, the parties claimed the following: “The Parties proceed from the fact that the protection of human rights should be based on the unshakable principles of respect for the sovereignty of all countries and oppose politicization and the introduction of double standards on human rights issues. The Parties oppose interference in the internal affairs of any state under the pretext of protecting human rights…”
In the document, Azerbaijan supported China’s Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative and Global Civilization Initiative, expressing its readiness to actively participate in cooperation within the framework of these initiatives to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and “jointly protect international and regional security and stability”. China supported Azerbaijan’s efforts in accordance with its Baku Process initiative and the World Forums convened within its framework as a global platform to promote intercultural dialogue.
China welcomed Azerbaijan’s desire to strengthen cooperation within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and expressed support to the enhancement of Azerbaijan’s legal status in the SCO. Azerbaijan also expressed its desire to join the BRICS, and China welcomed Azerbaijan’s participation in the BRICS cooperation.
According to the statement, the parties will continue to “provide resolute support to one another on the path of development chosen in line with their national specificities and are ready to cooperate to achieve common development and prosperity”.
They also expressed readiness to “maintain close contacts and coordination on the most important issues of national, as well as regional and global security, strengthen trust, and prevent any forces from using their state territory to carry out actions against the other Party”.
The two sides also expressed support to the strengthening of exchanges and cooperation between the ruling political party of Azerbaijan and the Chinese Communist Party.
Azerbaijani and Chinese sides emphasized “the activation of exchanges and cooperation between the legislative bodies of the two countries in various fields and at various levels, including within the framework of relevant international and regional organizations”, and confirmed their readiness to strengthen cooperation and exchange experience in the legal field.
Among other thighs, the two sides vowed to actively promote cooperation in priority areas such as energy, including oil and gas production and refining, green energy and transport infrastructure, information and telecommunications, digital economy, etc.
The Parties also expressed readiness to strengthen the alignment of the development strategies of the two countries, deepen cooperation in all spheres within the framework of the BRI, and accelerate the process of signing an Agreement on the development of international multimodal transport between the Governments of Azerbaijan and China.
The document also said that the two countries would support each other’s efforts in addressing issues of ensuring the safety and uninterrupted operation of international transport corridors passing through their territories and “create favourable conditions for transit traffic within the framework of national legislation and bilateral agreements”. They aim to “consistently develop the potential of transit and transport interaction with the use of intelligent transport systems technologies, as well as to ensure the technical and economic conditions for the continuous and full-scale operation of international transport routes”.
China welcomed the development of investment cooperation of Azerbaijan with China in the spheres of oil, gas, and petrochemicals, as well as in the sphere of green energy, electric power industry, high technologies and innovations, artificial intelligence, and space.
China expressed readiness to actively participate in the construction and use of the Middle Corridor, “work more closely with Azerbaijan and other countries along the route to jointly facilitate the uninterrupted operation and accelerated development of the southern corridor for China-Europe freight trains and in the opposite direction, create favourable prerequisites for deepening regional practical cooperation, jointly ensure the safety and stability of production and supply chains”.
The two sides supported the expansion of contacts “between the regions, as well as the cooperation in the fields of media and information exchange”. They also agreed to discuss the issue of joint creation of an alliance of higher education institutions.
PLA delegation’s visit to Azerbaijan
On June 20, China Military Online reported that a Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) delegation for international military cooperation had visited Azerbaijan.
The report said that they also visited Switzerland and Armenia and during the visit, the delegation met and held talks with “defence authorities of the three countries respectively, exchanged views on military-to-military relations, international and regional security situations, and held consultations on advancing bilateral defence cooperation, which further enriched the contents of defence cooperation between China and relevant countries”.
Electrify Azerbaijan Company and China’s BYD sign an agreement to modernize the passenger bus fleet in Azerbaijan
On July 5, Caspian News reported that Electrify Azerbaijan Company and China’s BYD Company Limited had signed a framework agreement to modernize the passenger bus fleet in Azerbaijan.
The agreement covers the purchase of electric buses, their servicing, and the establishment and localization of electric bus production in Azerbaijan.
Reportedly, BYD plans to invest $60 million in Azerbaijan, creating new production areas for light-duty electric trucks, electric vehicles for municipal services, and electric passenger cars starting in 2026, with battery production for energy storage beginning in 2028. By 2025, BYD will also begin local production of spare parts in Azerbaijan, with localization projected to cover 40% of the total bus cost by 2030.
The report said that initially BYD would invest $34 million in the production of electric buses at a new plant in Sumgait Chemical Industrial Park, aiming for an annual production volume of 500 units to meet domestic demand and export opportunities.
BakuBus will also purchase 160 electric buses and 100 charging stations from BYD.
More tourists from China visit Azerbaijan
On July 8, Azernews reported the comments of the head of the tourism policy and strategy department of the State Tourism Agency, Mahammad Muradov, who said that in January-June of 2024, 16 609 tourists from China visited Azerbaijan, which means a 135% increase compared to the same period last year.
Georgia-China
The Chinese Embassy in Georgia criticizes the comments of the US Ambassador regarding the Anaklia project
- On June 18, Intepressnews interviewed the US Ambassador to Georgia Robin Dunnigan. In response to the journalist’s question regarding Anaklia, the Ambassador said that “the company that the [Georgian] government awarded the contract to, CCCC, is majority-owned by the Chinese Communist Party and is known to be affiliated with the Chinese military”. She added that the Chinese Communist Party, the PRC, is “the number one bankroller, the number one financier of the Russian military today”.
“So, one question is why deepen an economic tie with the party that is financing your occupier, because the Russian military […] is being financed by the Chinese Communist Party”.
She noted that there’s also the issue of the quality and standards of the company in question: “So CCCC does not have a good reputation globally. In 2009, the World Bank barred the bank from providing financing to infrastructure projects done by this company due to past fraud. Recently the company built a port in Sri Lanka and there’s a lot of controversy around this port. I don’t know if you’ve read about it, but ultimately the Chinese government was able to secure a 99-year lease on Sri Lankan soil. Its ships, military ships, and research vessels can come in and out at will. So, there’s a lot of controversy about Sri Lanka giving up some of its sovereignty in a key critical infrastructure piece that’s involving this company. The United States Treasury has determined that this company is a company that is on a list of companies that have deep ties with the Communist Party’s military. So, there are a lot of concerns about Anaklia. Of course, it’s a sovereign decision, but I’m just reiterating some of the concerns that are seen globally about this particular company”.
Meanwhile, the Ambassador also said that the development of the Middle Corridor and the critical infrastructure of Georgia was critical.
- On June 21, the Chinese Embassy in Georgia published a statement regarding the US Ambassador’s comments.
“We would like to point out that the assertions of the head of the U.S. Embassy in Georgia, such as ‘China Communications Construction Company is majority owned by the Communist Party of China’, ‘the CCP and the People’s Republic of China is the number one bankroller and financier of the Russian military today’, are preposterous and seriously inconsistent with facts. The Chinese side strongly deplores such a statement,” said the embassy.
The embassy also noted that “the above-mentioned statement runs counter to the San Francisco vision established by President Xi Jinping and President Joe Biden” and it “regretted the fact that the U.S. diplomat showed no professionalism when making a statement”.
- On June 20, the People’s Power party criticised the US Ambassador’s comment on China with an extensive statement: “Yesterday, our ’strategic friend‘, the US ambassador to Georgia Mrs Robin Dunnigan made the first harsh and extremely insulting statements towards the Georgian people, which, of course, we cannot leave unanswered. If until now the new Ambassador more or less tried to make political maneuvers and did not touch on topics that directly strike at the sovereignty and independence of our country, this time she also crossed this red line…”
The statement rhetorically asked, “Why do you think that deepening relations with China is good for the US and the EU, but dangerous for us?”
On July 16, it was announced that the People’s Power party would be on the ruling Georgian Dream party’s list for the 2024 parliamentary elections.
- On June 20, the Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Kobakdhidze said about the US ambassador: “I would like to once again express my personal respect to her and I hope that she will make a positive contribution to the improvement of Georgian-US relations”. Regarding China, he continues that there was “an absolutely unfair attitude on the part of specific partner countries”.
He said the following: “In fact, everyone knows that China is one of the most important trade partners for the EU and the US. When we hear Georgia’s criticism of deepening economic relations with China under such circumstances, it is a double standard and for us, such a double standard is absolutely unacceptable.”
- On June 19, the Ambassador of the EU to Georgia Pawel Herczynski refrained from commenting on the US Ambassador’s statement and said that the European Union had a mutually beneficial relationship with China, meanwhile, he also noted that they were “trying to reduce the risks arising from China’s influence” so that their economy “is not depended on China”.
Occupied Abkhazia’s “Bank of Abkhazia” once again took part in the Hong Kong International Numismatic Fair
A delegation from Georgia’s Russian-occupied Abkhazia region representing “Bank of Abkhazia” took part in the 12th Hong Kong International Numismatic Fair, HKINF, held in Hong Kong from June 21 to 23, “The National Bank of the Republic of Abkhazia” reported on July 3.
This is not the first time – in 2018, “The National Bank of Abkhazia” was present at the Hong Kong International Numismatic Fair where so-called “national symbols of the Republic of Abkhazia” were represented. They also participated in the event in 2023.
“The door is open to all” – Georgian PM on the possibility of having election observers from China
On June 28, European Socialists MP Fridon Injia asked the Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze if there would be election observers from China or India “and from countries that have their weight in the world”, Mtavari reported.
According to the Interpressnews, Kobakhidze answered: “As for observers from China, India, other countries, the door is open to all observers. If there is interest on the part of these countries to observe the election process in Georgia, we will be open to it as much as possible”.
In the annual report to the Parliament, Kobakhidze said that strategic partnership with China was very important for the Georgian government and thanked the Chinese side for the visa-free travel regime for Georgians. He also added that the Chinese companies were involved in many important projects in Georgia.
China’s training for Georgian civil servants and journalists?
On June 17, the Voice of America (VOA) reported that researchers at the Atlantic Council had released official Beijing documents that support the view that “China’s goal is to export authoritarianism.”
The VOA report said that Georgia was not included in the documents, however, “a reliable source familiar with the issue” anonymously informed VOA that trainings with similar content had been held for Georgian civil servants and journalists. According to the source, the documents in which the Georgians participating in the training appear are dated 2023-2024.
Georgian media representative at the anniversary of the publication of China’s “five principles of peaceful coexistence”
Eka Gulua and Wang Yi. Source: Eka Gulua/FB
The 70th anniversary of the publication of the document on China’s “five principles of peaceful coexistence” was celebrated in Beijing, the capital of China, MCM’s Eka Gulua reported from Beijing where she also attended Xi Jinping’s address and met with the Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
MCM reported that delegations from different countries of the world participated in the conference, and reportedly, among them, Eka Gulua, the founder of MCM, would make a speech on behalf of Georgia in one of the sub-forums.
Georgia-China cultural cooperation
- On June 11, the 23rd Chinese Language Bridge contest was held at the Free University of Tbilisi.
The Ambassador of China to Georgia Zhou Qiang, the Counselor Xiu Haizheng, the Rector of the Free University of Tbilisi Vakhtang Lezhava, the Vice Rector Marina Karchava, together with the heads and representatives of China Road and Bridge Corporation and other Chinese companies, attended the contest.
According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, the Ambassador said China and Georgia were committed to cooperating on BRI and had established a strategic partnership, adding that political, economic, and cultural exchanges between the two countries continued to deepen.
“I hope that students will learn and use Chinese to become a bridge and backbone of the China-Georgia friendship,” the Ambassador said.
Zhou Qian and Vakhtang Lezhava. Source: Confucius Institute at Free University of Tbilisi
- On June 29, the CGTN Georgia FB page reported that the Chairman of the Culture Committee,the ruling Georgian Dream party MP Eliso Bolkvadze, and other members of the committee, had met with the government delegation and business sector representatives of Jiangsu Province of China.
“We talked about the importance of introducing innovative approaches to art education reform and sharing experience,” Bolkbadze said and expressed “happiness” that the Nanjing government invited her to China in the direction of art education and to conduct master classes.
- The 26th Shanghai International Film Festival was held on June 14-23 where Georgia presented itself with a stand for the first time, CGTN Georgia reported.
A photo shared by CGTN. Source: CGTN Georgia/FB
The National Film Center with the support of the Ministry of Culture and Sports of Georgia presented a Georgian stand for the first time, which among other things was to promote Georgia “as the most important country for filming”.
