Weekly Digest: China in the South Caucasus and Tajikistan (27.10-02.11)

Georgia

Georgia-China Rail Cooperation Meeting in Zhuzhou

22 October

In October 2025, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Georgia to the People’s Republic of China, Paata Kalandadze, held a meeting with the Vice Mayor of Zhuzhou Municipality, Hua Yang.

The meeting addressed possibilities for deepening the ongoing cooperation in the railway sector between Georgia and China. The parties also agreed to continue working in this direction.

It is noteworthy that the city of Zhuzhou is known as “China’s Locomotive Capital.” CRRC ZELC (the Zhuzhou locomotive manufacturing company) has been actively involved in global exports since 1997. Significant partners include Singapore, Malaysia, Macedonia, Türkiye, the Czech Republic, Germany, South Africa, etc.

Essay Contest: 'My Story with China' in Georgia

30 October

The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Georgia organized the essay contest “My Story with China” (《我和中国的故事》).

The Embassy published the list of winners, which includes representatives from various sectors and professions. Notably, the First Place was awarded to a TV presenter from the television company “Imedi.”

Position of the Georgia China Council for the Promotion of Peaceful National Reunification on Taiwan

The Georgia Alliances for the Promotion of Peaceful Reunification of China has issued an extensive statement regarding the unification of Taiwan with China.

“Taiwan Restoration Day” was designated in 2025 as the anniversary of Taiwan’s restoration on October 25. According to the statement, unification is a historical and legal fact that is inevitable and represents the demand of the Chinese nation. The organization strictly condemns attempts at “Taiwan independence” and interference by external forces.

Azerbaijan

Baku Engineering University and Tsinghua University Define Cooperation Areas

27 October

Negotiations were held between Baku Engineering University and China’s Tsinghua University to define the future directions of cooperation.

During the meeting, the parties discussed cooperation opportunities in the areas of scientific-research initiatives, academic exchange programs, and joint educational projects.

Furthermore, the parties reviewed the results achieved in the period following the cooperation negotiations held between the universities in July of this year.

Establishment of a Joint Research Center for Green Energy Development Discussed Between Azerbaijan and China

27 October

A meeting was held between the Minister of Energy, Parviz Shahbazov, and the delegation of China Energy Engineering Corporation Limited.

During the meeting, the issue of implementing projects in the energy sector between the Ministry and the company was discussed. Specifically, it was noted that joint initiatives with China Energy Engineering Corporation Limited in the field of renewable energy in Azerbaijan will contribute to the development of the sector. In this regard, the importance of the research conducted jointly with the China Electric Power Planning and Engineering Institute (EPPEI) to define the potential for integrating new capacities into the electric grid was emphasized. Furthermore, the parties focused on the necessity of establishing a Joint Research Center for Green Energy Development.”

The Ministry praised the company’s activities in Bilasuvar and Neftchala, specifically the construction of a 760 MW solar power plant by the company and its provision of equipment.

Azerbaijan and China Agree on Increasing Cargo Transportation via the Middle Corridor

27 October

The President of “Azerbaijan Railways,” Rovshan Rustamov, met with a delegation from the People’s Republic of China, led by the Mayor of Xi’an city, Ye Niuping.

During the meeting, it was noted that Azerbaijan Railways and Xi’an Port in China are cooperating closely to expand the capabilities of the Middle Corridor and increase cargo flow. To strengthen this cooperation, a representative of Azerbaijan Railways has been appointed at Xi’an Port. Additionally, the representative was granted access to Xi’an Port’s operational system.

The meeting highlighted that, over a period of 9 months this year, Azerbaijan Railways received 113 transit trains. This indicates a 39% increase compared to the same period last year. Similarly, cargo turnover increased by 20% compared to the previous year.

Within the framework of the meeting, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Azerbaijan Railways and Xi’an Port in China. The Memorandum provides for the creation of a favorable environment for international cargo transportation, the improvement of service quality through digitalization, and the expansion of the Middle Corridor’s multimodal transport links within the “Belt and Road” Initiative

Scientific Seminar Held at Baku Engineering University with the Participation of Chinese PhD Students

28 October

A delegation of 32 PhD students and faculty members from the People’s Republic of China visited Azerbaijan within the framework of the double degree program between Baku Engineering University (BEU) and Beijing University of Chemical Technology (BUCT).

Within the scope of the delegation’s visit, a scientific seminar was held on “The Impact of Engineering on Sustainable Development Goals.” The seminar was attended by representatives of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences and researchers from other universities.

The Rector of Baku Engineering University, Yagub Piriyev, expressed satisfaction with the success of the cooperation established with Beijing University of Chemical Technology this year and the first double degree program created at the bachelor’s level.

During the event, Professor Yu Yue from the International Education Department at Beijing University of Chemical Technology discussed the university’s research areas and double degree programs. Additionally, video interviews with Azerbaijani students currently studying in China through the BEU and BUCT double degree programs were shown at the meeting.

Azerbaijan University of Languages Represented at an International Conference Held in China

28 October

Rafig Abbasov, the Director of the Confucius Institute at the Azerbaijan University of Languages (AUL), attended the “23rd Conference on International Exchange of Professionals,” which was held in Shanghai.

The conference was supported by China’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security and the Shanghai Municipality. The main organizers of the event were Beijing International Studies University and the China Consortium for Regional Studies. The conference discussed the role of artificial intelligence in developing cross-cultural education, the training of personnel for intercultural education systems, trends in the development of education in the information society, and other topics.

Azerbaijan University of Architecture and Construction Represented at an International Conference Held in China

28 October

A delegation from the Azerbaijan University of Architecture and Construction (AUAC) participated in the International Scientific Conference on the theme of “Mathematics and Artificial Intelligence,” organized by China’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security and the Shanghai Municipality.

The Azerbaijani university delegation attended the conference at the invitation of Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Within the framework of the conference, the Rector of the Azerbaijan University of Architecture and Construction, Gulchohra Mammadova, spoke about the importance of content quality, multidisciplinary cooperation, and scientific ties between universities for the development of international scientific journals.

Subsequently, on October 30, representatives of the Azerbaijan University of Architecture and Construction visited Shanghai Jiao Tong University. During the meeting, the parties discussed issues related to expanding academic cooperation between the universities, developing joint educational programs, and implementing bilateral scientific projects.

Issue of Establishing Direct Air Links Between Baku and Xi'an Discussed

29 october

The Minister of Digital Development and Transport, Rashad Nabiyev, met with the Mayor of the Chinese city of Xi’an, Ye Niuping.

During the meeting, the parties discussed the prospects for cooperation in establishing air links between the cities, as well as in the fields of artificial intelligence, digitalization, and other areas.

At the end of the meeting, the parties agreed to establish a working group to address the discussed topics.

Cooperation Prospects Between Higher Education Institutions of Azerbaijan and China Discussed

29 October

Lu Mei, the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Georgia, visited the Academy of Public Administration under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

During the meeting, the Rector of the Academy, Orkhan Alakbarov, spoke about the friendship between Azerbaijan and China and the importance of education in the development of bilateral cooperation.

At the meeting, the parties discussed the prospects for cooperation between the higher education institutions of the two countries.

Tourism Ties Between Azerbaijan and China Discussed

29 October

The Chairman of the State Tourism Agency, Fuad Naghiyev, met with the Ambassador of China to Azerbaijan, Lu Mei.

During the meeting, Fuad Naghiyev spoke about the dynamics of the development of bilateral tourist ties and the positive consequences of the abolition of visa restrictions.

The Chairman of the Agency also noted that work is underway to open a local branch of the Azerbaijan Tourism Board in China.

For his part, the Chinese Ambassador noted that Azerbaijan’s rich tourism potential attracts the attention of Chinese tourists and that tourism represents one of the growing cooperation areas between the countries. The Ambassador stated that China is interested in investment opportunities in Azerbaijan’s tourism sector and participation in potential projects within the sector.

It is worth noting that three flights are operated weekly on the Baku-Beijing route, and five flights on the Baku-Urumqi route. In 2024, the number of visitors arriving in Azerbaijan from China reached 44,798, which indicates a 94% increase compared to the previous year.

Confucius Institute Branch Opens at Baku Youth Center

30 October

A ceremony was held at the Baku Youth Center for the opening of a branch of the Confucius Institute, which operates at the Azerbaijan University of Languages. The event was organized with the support of the Ministry of Youth and Sport of Azerbaijan and the Embassy of China in Azerbaijan.

The opening ceremony was attended by the Minister of Youth and Sport, Farid Gayibov, the Ambassador of China to Azerbaijan, Lu Mei, and the Director of the Youth Center, Nargiz Babayeva.

Within the framework of the event, the Director of the Baku Youth Center, Nargiz Babayeva, the Director of the Confucius Institute on the Azerbaijani side, Rafik Abbasov, and the Director of the Institute on the Chinese side, Li Jihua, signed a cooperation agreement. The agreement provides for the expansion of exchanges in the fields of education, culture, and language, as well as joint projects and programs, between the youth of Azerbaijan and China.

Baku State University Cooperates with Chinese Universities

30 October

A delegation from Beijing University of Chemical Technology of the People’s Republic of China visited Baku State University.

During the meeting, the prospects for developing scientific and academic cooperation between the two educational institutions were discussed.

Cooperation Opportunities with Beijing University of Chemical Technology Discussed at the Institute of Physics

31 October

A meeting was held between the Institute of Physics of the Ministry of Science and Education of Azerbaijan and Beijing University of Chemical Technology of China to discuss cooperation prospects.

During the meeting, the parties discussed the implementation of joint projects in the fields of science, education, and innovation, the realization of bilateral exchanges, and the creation of exchange programs for young scientists.

Meeting of the State Oil Fund of Azerbaijan with CEEC International

31  October

Rovshan Javadov, Deputy Executive Director of the State Oil Fund of Azerbaijan (SOFAZ), met with representatives of the Chinese company, China Energy International Group Co., Ltd./”CEEC International.”

The parties discussed the deepening of bilateral cooperation, the identification of investment opportunities, and the mechanisms of cooperation within the framework of the Memorandum of Understanding signed between SOFAZ and CEEC International on September 8, 2025.

Beijing Foreign Studies University in Azerbaijan

1 November

The Vice-Rector of Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU), Gao Kangyin, spoke about the current dynamic of cooperation between the universities of the two countries in an interview with the Azerbaijan State News Agency.

The Vice-Rector noted that the visit of his university’s delegation to Azerbaijan marks the beginning of a new stage of cooperation between the countries in the areas of education and science.

During the visit, the BFSU delegation met with representatives of Baku State University, the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, Azerbaijan State University of Economics, the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, and Khazar University. Moreover, a number of Memoranda of Understanding were signed during the meetings.

As part of the visit, the representatives of the Chinese side met with the Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Leyla Aliyeva, the Executive Director, Anar Alakbarov, and the Chair of the National Assembly (Milli Majlis) of Azerbaijan, Sahiba Gafarova. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the parties.

In addition, Beijing Foreign Studies University signed Memoranda of Understanding with the Azerbaijan State University of Economics and the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences.

Armenia

Chinese Ambassador to Armenia Li Xinwei visited Yerevan Mayor Tigran Avinyan

Ambassador Li highly appreciated Yerevan’s interaction with Chinese sister cities, noting that interregional cooperation is an important part of bilateral relations. He stressed that the parties can continue to reveal the potential of cooperation in the trade, economic, cultural, and tourism spheres, thereby enriching the content of the Chinese-Armenian strategic partnership.

Mr. Avinyan expressed his gratitude to the Chinese side for its assistance in improving the welfare of the local population, highly appreciated China’s achievements in the field of modernization of urban management, and expressed his readiness to study and adopt advanced Chinese experience. He noted that this will contribute to a deeper and more practical development of cooperation between cities and the strengthening of the people’s basis of friendship between the two countries.

Tajikistan

Somon Air and China’s Shanghai Haizhu Sign Cooperation Memorandum on Aviation Infrastructure

In Dushanbe, Somon Air and the Chinese company Shanghai Haizhu Engineering & Design Group Co., Ltd. (HIZ)  signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at enhancing Tajikistan’s aviation infrastructure.

During the meeting, both sides explored opportunities for cooperation in the design and modernization of airport facilities across the country. A key focus of the talks was the construction of a new aircraft maintenance hangar, with the memorandum outlining plans to prepare a feasibility study for the project.

Founded in 2001, HIZ is recognized among China’s top 10 airport construction companies, with extensive experience in large-scale aviation infrastructure projects. The partnership is expected to expand Tajikistan’s technical aviation capabilities and strengthen the country’s capacity for aircraft maintenance and servicing.

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