On November 6–8, 2026, Vice President of the People’s Republic of China, Han Zheng, paid an official visit to Georgia. During the visit, he held meetings with Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, and representatives of the business communities of both countries. The discussions primarily focused on deepening political relations, expanding trade and economic cooperation, attracting investment, and developing transport and logistics projects.
The visit carried particular political significance, as it marked the first visit by a Chinese vice president to Georgia. Han Zheng’s visit took place against the backdrop of intensifying relations between the two countries. The strategic partnership established in 2023 was elevated to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership in June 2026.
On November 6, the Chinese Vice President met with Georgian President Mikheil Kvelashvili. During the meeting, the parties discussed the current dynamics of political and economic relations, Georgia’s role in international transport projects, and prospects for cooperation across various sectors. Han Zheng emphasized that Georgia was China’s first strategic partner in the South Caucasus and the first country in Eurasia to conclude a free trade agreement with China. Mikheil Kavelashvili expressed gratitude to the Chinese side for its support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and reaffirmed Tbilisi’s commitment to the “One China” principle. For its part, the Chinese side expressed its readiness to cooperate with Georgia in implementing the global initiatives proposed by President Xi Jinping.
The meeting with the President also addressed the opportunities created by the free trade agreement, attracting Chinese investment, and infrastructure development. Particular attention was given to strengthening ties between Tbilisi and Shanghai, the prospects for direct flights, cooperation in education and science, and the activities of a joint working group on artificial intelligence. The Georgian President also discussed with the Chinese delegation the possibility of holding a global summit on promoting peace and healthy lifestyles in Tbilisi in 2027.
On November 6, the Vice President also met with Irakli Kobakhidze, Prime Minister under Ivanishvili’s leadership. The meeting focused on prospects for developing economic partnerships and joint strategic projects. Kobakhidze emphasized Georgia’s geographical location and the importance of cooperation within the framework of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). For his part, Han Zheng reaffirmed Beijing’s readiness to strengthen political and economic ties with Georgia. He stated that China would continue to support Georgia’s sovereignty, security, and development interests. Furthermore, the Vice President declared that China opposes interference by external forces in the country’s internal affairs.
The messages conveyed during the meeting between the Chinese Vice President and Kobakhidze suggest that relations with China are no longer limited to trade and economic cooperation but are gradually acquiring a broader political dimension. In particular, the Sino-Georgian strategic partnership is gaining new momentum at a time when relations between the Georgian government and the European Union have significantly deteriorated.
Beyond official meetings, the Vice President’s visit also included support for the business interests of Chinese companies operating in Georgia. Specifically, during a meeting between representatives of the Georgian and Chinese business communities on November 7, the Chinese Vice President stated that Beijing was ready to facilitate the expansion of Chinese companies’ operations in Georgia.
The Chinese Vice President’s visit to Georgia was limited to meetings and negotiations with officials and business representatives. No public information was released regarding the signing of any new agreements or memoranda during the visit.
Overall, the visit reaffirmed the mutual interest in deepening Georgia–China relations. Meetings between officials highlighted both sides’ willingness to strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, and the development of transport infrastructure.
