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
Crossroads of Peace project and BRI
A photo from the meeting. Source: First Channel News
Armenia’s National Assembly Vice President Hakob Arshakyan met with the Head of the Delegation of the National People’s Congress of China Jiang Zhenghua while visiting the capital of Laos, Vientiane, First Channel News reported on October 21.
During the meeting, Hakob Arshakyan presented the Crossroads of Peace project initiated by the RA Government. Regarding the Crossroads of Peace project presented by Armenia, Jiang Zhenghua noted that this project with the BRI had important cooperation paragraphs and expressed hope that there would be investments from China through that project as a part of BRI.
Trade with China
On October 7, Bm.ge reported that in January-August 2024 China had been Armenia’s third-biggest trade partner, with a turnover of $1.86 billion. Trade with China in the first eight months of 2024 grew by 37.7%.
Armenian exports to China increased, reaching $840 million, while imports decreased by 4.5%, totaling $1 billion. Despite the increase in trade with China, its share in Armenia’s foreign trade dropped from 11.2% last year to 8.6% in January-August of this year.
Celebrating the founding of the PRC
On October 29, Armenpress reported that the ceremony dedicated to the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China had been held at the National Library of Armenia, beginning with the Armenian-Chinese friendship anthem composed by Jenny Asatryan.
Azerbaijan-China
Azerbaijan’s support of the Belt and Road Energy Partnership Platform
On October 23, Azerbaijani Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov wrote on X that during the meeting with the Head of the National Energy Administration of China Zhang Jianhua, they had discussed developing relations with new projects of renewable energy and enlarging the partnerships with Chinese companies, including the opportunities for oil and gas sector. He also expressed Azerbaijan’s support for the Belt and Road Energy Partnership Platform.
Azerbaijani and Chinese sides to enhance cooperation in smart infrastructure, information technologies
A photo from the meeting. Source: Azertac
Azerbaijan Investment Holding and China’s “FiberHome Telecommunication Technologies Co. Ltd.” signed a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation, Azertac reported on October 15. The parties, which also included Azerbaijan’s Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov, highlighted the national priorities for Azerbaijan’s socio-economic development until 2030. Reportedly, the agreement signed with the company specializing in telecommunications technologies will enhance cooperation in smart infrastructure, innovative mechanisms, and information technologies.
Other activities
- The President of Azerbaijan Airlines CJSC (AZAL) Samir Rzayev and the Chargé d’Affaires of China in Azerbaijan Ding Tao discussed the development of air traffic. AZAL currently operates two weekly flights en route Baku-Beijing-Baku. In 2025, the frequency will increase to three flights per week, Azertag reported on October 17.
- The First China International Scientific Conference on Azerbaijani Studies was held under the theme “Strengthening Chinese-Azerbaijani Relations in the Spirit of the Silk Road.” Reportedly, the Beijing Foreign Studies University organized the event.
- Azerbaijani Ambassador to China Bunyad Huseynov published an article in CGTN entitled “Azerbaijan-China friendship strengthened over time” where among other things he noted: “Our countries are reliable partners for each other in all spheres of cooperation, and support each other in key issues related to the national interests of our states”.
Georgia-China
Kobakhidze praises China’s modernization and claims that China sets a good example for other superpowers
A photo from the event. Source: The Georgian government website
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, the Chinese Ambassador to Georgia Zhou Qian, the Georgian Foreign Minister, and other government representatives attended the premiere of Georgia-China – A Third of a Century, a documentary by Georgian Dream party MP Irakli Mezurnishvili on relations between the two countries, the Georgian government website reported on October 21.
Kobakhidze talked positively about the Georgia-China strategic partnership, the Anaklia port project, etc. According to Irakli Kobakhidze, China is one of the “best examples of state modernization” and the contribution of Chinese partners to the development of Georgia is “important”.
“China sets a good example for other superpowers how to take care of strengthening the positions of your own state without creating any difficulties for peace in the world, and, on the contrary, being a promoter of peace, spreading peace in other countries. If we look at the geography, there are many countries around China where peace and peaceful development of countries are ensured. Therefore, the Chinese state is an example for us, and accordingly, we attach special importance to developing these relations. I am sure that the potential is great and we have the best prospects,” he said.
China congratulates Georgian Dream on the official election result
On October 29, China’s Foreign Ministry Speaker Lin Jian was asked to make a comment about Georgia’s parliamentary elections, the Georgian Dream’s claimed victory, and the opposition’s refusal to recognize the result, due to rigged elections.
China joined several countries congratulating Georgian Dream on the official election result: “We noted that the election in Georgia has been held smoothly. China as always respects the choice of the Georgian people and sincerely hopes for stability and prosperity in Georgia. China stands ready to work with Georgia to continuously move forward bilateral relations”.
China gifts Nuctech X-ray inspection systems to the Georgian customs
Source: Screenshot/Imedi
On October 17 a ceremony was held at Georgia’s Sadakhlo Customs Checkpoint on the border between Georgia and Armenia, during which the Chinese government transferred X-ray inspection systems to the Georgian customs free of charge. According to the Imedi report, the technology is from the Chinese company Nuctech.
The project was implemented based on the Intergovernmental Agreement on Economic and Technical Cooperation signed in 2019. As part of this cooperation, seven X-ray inspection devices had already been installed at Georgia’s borders.
According to Georgian Finance Minister Lasha Khutsishvili, “In the coming weeks, an international tender will be announced for the purchase of X-ray scanners for four customs checkpoints, after which all customs checkpoints, including airports and ports, will be equipped with modern X-ray inspection systems”. The Chinese Ambassador to Georgia Zhou Qian had stated that in the future, the effective operation and transparency of the Middle Corridor would be “very important”.
Recent events:
On October 3, the Director General of United Airports of Georgia Irakli Karkashadze attended a Nuctech-organised three-day event “Aviation Security in the Modern Era”.
In 2023, Nuctech reported that the Ministry of Finance of Georgia within the framework of Georgia’s Revenue Service programs organized a series of activities, including a media seminar. According to Nuctech, it has been a partner of the Revenue Service in organizing this event for many consecutive years. During the seminar, the Revenue Service organized a tour for the media delegation to see “Nuctech’s newly developed mobile security inspection systems and the whole inspection process”.
“Everyone was impressed by Nuctech’s innovative smart inspection. The event was covered by Interpressnews, Business Press News (BPN), and other media outlets in Georgia,” Nuctech reported.
Background:
- In 2020, the US added Nuctech (Tongfang NucTech Technology Ltd.) to the Bureau of Industry and Security Entity List, restricting exports to them on national security grounds.
- In 2014, the US Transportation Security Administration banned Nuctech hardware from most airports following a review of the underlying technology used in the machines. As of 2022, according to the US Transportation Security Administration, Nuctech products “are not authorized to be used for the screening of passengers, baggage, accessible property or air cargo in the United States.”
- In 2020, Canada increased its national security requirements based on a risk review, and as a result, Global Affairs Canada decided not to proceed with a $6.8 million contract with Nuctech.
- According to the AP, the majority shareholder in Nuctech is Tongfang Co. with a 71% stake and the largest shareholder in Tongfang is the investment arm of the China National Nuclear Corp. (CNNC), a state-run energy and defense conglomerate controlled by China’s State Council. The US Defense Department classifies CNNC as a Chinese military company.
- In 2022, according to an AP article regarding Nuctech, the Director of Cybersecurity at the Dutch Ministry of Defense before becoming a member of the European Parliament Bart Groothuis said the following: “The data being processed by these devices is very sensitive. It’s personal data, military data, and cargo data. It might be trade secrets at stake. You want to make sure it’s in the right hands. You’re dependent on a foreign actor which is a geopolitical adversary and strategic rival.”
- Hu Haifeng the Deputy Minister of Civil Affairs in China and son of former Chinese leader Hu Jintao was the Chairman of Nuctech.
Georgian universities’ engagement with China
- On October 8, Georgian Technical University and China’s Northwestern Polytechnic University discussed the possibilities of deepening the existing relations between the two universities and outlined plans for future cooperation.
- On October 9, the Rector of Tbilisi State University Jaba Samushia met with the Consul of China in Georgia Li Zhao, and the director of the Suzhou Research Center Lei Li, discussing the possibilities of scientific cooperation and mobility of academic staff.
Other activities
- On October 15, during a meeting between the Chair of Georgia’s National Intellectual Property Centre (Sakpatenti) Soso Giorgadze, and the Commissioner of the National Intellectual Property Administration of China Shen Changyu and other senior CNIPA officials, a letter of intent was signed between Sakpatenti and CNIPA to promote mutual understanding of the Geographical Indications protection systems of both countries, with the agreement outlining opportunities for development, case study exchanges, origin research, and surveys on the need for GI protection, including the creation of a recommended list of GIs for reciprocal protection. Reportedly, both parties also expressed optimism about Sakpatenti’s involvement in the Belt and Road Intellectual Property Cooperation projects.
- An air traffic agreement was signed between Georgia and Hong Kong enabling airlines to carry out regular passenger and cargo flights without restriction of capacity, frequency, or types of aircraft prior to the coming into force of an intergovernmental agreement, the Georgian Civil Aviation Agency reported on October 24.
