Civicidea

Another attack on Tinatin Khidasheli and Civic IDEA

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Tbilisi Mayor and Secretary General of Georgian Dream Kakha Kaladze erupted in fury after former Defense Minister and Civic IDEA chair Tinatin Khidasheli publicly flagged a non-accredited institution in Georgia, citing its alleged ties to Iran’s political-religious elite and demanding transparency from authorities. Rather than refute her claims, he lashed out, accusing her of treason, foreign meddling, and, most revealingly,  branding her and fellow critics as “the biggest terrorists in this country,” urging state bodies to act.

This explosive reaction was triggered by The Hill’s article “Georgia is Becoming a Hub for Iran to Circumvent Sanctions”, which is based on Civic IDEA’s research on surging Iranian companies and networks. This once again highlights the critical value of Western media partnerships in exposing uncomfortable truths and amplifying independent voices.

Kaladze’s reaction is striking as his party is recklessly showing off its pro-Iran leanings these days. Just days ago, it openly mourned Iran’s supreme leader and people amid the Middle East escalation, all while posturing as a neutral bystander.

Giorgi Volski, Georgia’s Parliament First Deputy Speaker, also dismissed Civic IDEA’s report and The Hill article on Iranian sanction evasion via Georgia as baseless fiction, “no such fact exists, nor will it”, while accusing the researchers of foreign-dictated immorality aimed at deteriorating the country. His knee-jerk obscure denial only attacked the source and ignored the substance.

Meanwhile, Georgian Dream’s denialist duo, Parliament First Deputy Speaker Giorgi Volski and Vice Speaker Nino Tsilosani, sprang into action very quickly. Volski flatly declared Civic IDEA’s report and The Hill article “baseless fiction” that “does not exist in reality,” accusing researchers of foreign-dictated “immorality” bent on wrecking Georgia, while Tsilosani branded it “complete disinformation” funded by “Nazi” lobbies (seems like a group is having a trouble deciding between “terrorists”, “Nazis”, and “multi-ranking agent” as a defamating insult). Tsilosani’s warning Khidasheli and Gigauri could “torch the country despite Iran trade being a measly 1.36% of imports”. Georgian Dream is panicking and it shows since being cornered by facts, all they’re doing is screaming “conspiracy” and hope the nonsense sticks.

Khidasheli’s comments were grounded in evidence-based research by Hudson Institute and obviously, Civic IDEA’s own recent report Behind the Barrels: Iranian Oil and Political Ties in Georgia. That report documented how economic and political links between Iranian entities and interests in Georgia, particularly around the importation of Iranian petroleum products and associated networks, raise real concerns about transparency, national sovereignty, and sanctions compliance. 

Old Tricks, Fresh Narrative

This specific incident is, of course, not an isolated flare-up but part of a broader pattern of political pressure on civil society. For many months, senior state officials have pursued a campaign to discredit NGOs, portraying them as agents of foreign interests.

Most recently, the Speaker of Parliament, Shalva Papuashvili, openly accused Civic IDEA and its leadership of serving as vehicles for “European money… against Georgia’s interests” to influence foreign policy, without offering any evidence to support these claims.

The most recent attack on Tinatin and Civic IDEA was due to our China reports (1; 2; 3; etc).

These attacks coincide with yet another new legislation targeting civil society. The Georgian Parliament has passed amendments expanding government control over foreign funding, grants, political activity, and external lobbying. The new law broadens the definition of a “grant” to include nearly any financial or in-kind support that could influence Georgian policy or public life. Receiving such funds without prior government approval now carries criminal penalties, including imprisonment. These provisions are following a textbook trajectory of Russia in 2012 and later crackdowns in Belarus, where administrative burdens, public labelling and criminal liability steadily shrank civic space. They did this by putting independent organizations and media at risk of arbitrary prosecution, restrict democratic space, and stifle dissent.

For readers seeking the full context behind these discussions, Civic IDEA’s two major investigative reports—“Georgian Dream’s Anti-Western Policy: How Iranian Companies Are Using Georgia to Bypass Sanctions” and “Behind the Barrels: Iranian Oil and Political Ties in Georgia”—have been central in driving public debate and exposing key economic and political linkages with Iran.

Another attack on Tinatin Khidasheli and Civic IDEA Read More »

The Hill – “Georgia is becoming Iran’s sanctions evasion hub.”

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On February 26, the American newspaper The Hill published an article titled: “Georgia is becoming Iran’s sanctions evasion hub.” The article discusses the growing involvement and business operations of individuals and companies linked to the Islamic Republic of Iran. The author also highlights frequent diplomatic exchanges between Georgian Dream and the Islamic Republic.

The author concludes that Georgia, which was once America’s closest partner in the South Caucasus, is creating a favorable environment for hostile influences and for evading international sanctions. Therefore, Washington should clearly demonstrate that the actions of Georgian Dream will have consequences.

It is noteworthy that in analyzing the economic interests of the Islamic Republic in Georgia, the author cites a new study by Civic IDEA titled “Behind The Barrels: Iranian Oil and Political Ties in Georgia.”

For more details, please see the full article:

Georgia is becoming Iran’s sanctions evasion hub.

The Hill – “Georgia is becoming Iran’s sanctions evasion hub.” Read More »

Georgian Dream’s Stance on Iran: Diplomatic Neutrality or Tacit Support?

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Amid joint U.S.–Israeli military actions targeting the political and military establishment of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia issued a carefully worded diplomatic statement on March 1, expressing concern over the developments in the Middle East and calling for de-escalation:

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia is closely monitoring the situation in the Middle East with attention and deep concern. We emphasize the importance of diplomatic efforts to achieve de-escalation and ensure stability in the region.”

The following day, on March 2, the Georgian Dream government released another statement, expressing solidarity with all parties involved in the conflict, including the Islamic Republic of Iran, Israel, and the Arab Gulf states, and reiterating its call for diplomacy and political dialogue:

“The Georgian government is monitoring the ongoing hostilities in the Middle East with deep concern, as they threaten the security and prosperity of all countries in the region.

We express our condolences to the Iranian people and the Islamic Republic of Iran, where the ongoing hostilities have claimed the lives of many individuals, including the Supreme Leader, other political leaders, innocent civilians, and dozens of children.

We also express our condolences to our friend, the Jewish people, and to Israel for the loss of civilian lives as a result of the hostilities.

The Georgian government expresses full solidarity with the Arab countries of the Gulf, with which Georgia has a special partnership.

We express hope that peace will be restored in the Middle East in the near future, and that hostilities will be replaced by diplomacy and political dialogue.”

However, the expression of solidarity with the Islamic Republic of Iran in these statements casts doubt on Georgian Dream’s pacifist calls. Ivanishvili’s party is publicly showcasing support for a terrorist regime whose repressions have claimed the lives of thousands of innocent people.

In parallel to Georgian Dream’s diplomatically framed and ostensibly pacifist statements, several Georgia-based organizations operating under direct state control issued statements expressing condolences over the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei.

On March 1, the Administration of All Muslims of Georgia published a statement offering condolences to the Iranian people, as well as to the family and relatives of the Supreme Leader:

“As is known, Sayyid Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, was killed yesterday as a result of an attack on his office in Tehran. The Administration of All Muslims of Georgia expresses its condolences to his family, relatives, and the Iranian people.”

On the same day, the Sheikh of the Administration of All Muslims of Georgia, Faig Nabiev, posted a separate statement on his personal Facebook page, extending condolences to Khamenei’s family, the Iranian people, and Muslims worldwide:

“The news of the martyrdom of Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution of Iran, a great scholar and Marjaʿ-i Taqlid, has plunged the entire Islamic world into deep sorrow. This is a tremendous spiritual loss not only for the Iranian people, but for the entire Muslim Ummah.”

Another statement, issued on behalf of the Administration of All Muslims of Georgia by Mirtagi Asadov, described Khamenei’s killing as a “grave and horrific loss” for the Islamic world. According to Asadov, “the enemies of humanity, child killers, and imperialist forces responsible for such acts must be held accountable under international law.”

Asadov’s statement received particular praise from the Iranian Embassy in Georgia, which, in a Facebook post published on March 2, expressed its ‘sincere gratitude’ to him.

It is particularly troubling that all individuals who publicly expressed solidarity with the Islamic Republic of Iran are affiliated with organizations under direct state control. Since 2011, the Administration of All Muslims of Georgia has operated as a Legal Entity under Public Law (LEPL). Faig Nabiev serves as its Sheikh and one of its senior officials. Mirtagi Asadov, who likewise publicly mourned Khamenei’s death, is the chairperson of another LEPL — the Supreme Religious Administration of Georgia’s All Muslims.

Since 2014, these organizations have been funded directly from the state budget. On January 16, 2026, Georgia’s State Agency for Religious Issues announced that it had allocated 4,150,000 GEL to the country’s Muslim community.

Notably, the Administration of All Muslims of Georgia maintains close ties with the Iranian Embassy in Georgia and individuals connected to the Islamic Republic of Iran. On February 17 of this year, Sheikh Faig Nabiev hosted Iran’s newly appointed ambassador to Georgia, Ali Moujani, extending his best wishes for success in his diplomatic mission. In 2025, representatives of the Administration also visited Iran, where they met with local clerics and representatives of Iranian charity organizations.

Thus, in response to the ongoing developments in the Middle East, Georgian Dream’s ‘neutral’ and ‘pacifist’ calls are overshadowed by its publicly declared support for the Islamic Republic of Iran. Statements from representatives of state-controlled organizations further point to the government’s covert pro-Iran stance. The positions expressed by these organizations once again underscore Georgian Dream’s tacit support and inaction regarding Iranian influence in Georgia.

Georgian Dream’s Stance on Iran: Diplomatic Neutrality or Tacit Support? Read More »

China condemns strikes on Iran, calls for a ceasefire

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On March 1, China described the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran as ’’unacceptable’’, warned of the risk of destabilisation in the Gulf region, and urged an immediate ceasefire and a resumption of negotiations.

In an official readout, Foreign Minister Wang Yi, speaking by phone with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, said it was unacceptable for the United States and Israel to attack Iran while U.S.-Iran talks were underway.

According to Wang, the strikes run counter to the fundamental principles of the UN Charter and signal a rejection of resolving the conflict through diplomatic means. He also criticised what he characterised as the targeted ’’elimination’’ of a sovereign state’s leader and said any actions aimed at facilitating regime change were unacceptable.

Ambassador and representative of China to the United Nations, Fu Cong, said Beijing was ’’deeply saddened’’ by civilian casualties, stressing that in armed conflict the ’’red line’’ of protecting civilians must not be crossed.

Fu Cong’s remarks came as Reuters reported that an emergency UN Security Council meeting was convened on February 28 at the request of China and Russia. Both sides called for an end to escalation and the activation of diplomatic mechanisms to address the crisis.

Chinese state media also reported Beijing’s position, emphasising China’s opposition to the use of force and urging the parties to pursue de-escalation through negotiations within the framework of international law.

China’s tough criticism is not only political, but significant economic considerations also shape it. If instability in the Gulf region becomes prolonged, China’s energy supply routes could quickly come under pressure: shipping and insurance costs would rise, driving up import bills. The Strait of Hormuz is one of Asia’s most important transit corridors. U.S. data indicate that most oil and liquefied natural gas passing through the strait is bound for Asian markets, with China among the largest importers.

Author: Mariam Simsive

China condemns strikes on Iran, calls for a ceasefire Read More »

China accuses the Philippines of undermining stability in the South China Sea

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On February 27, China’s People’s Liberation Army said, they conducted a routine patrol in the South China Sea from February 23 to 26, accusing the Philippines of ‘’undermining peace and stability’’ in the region. Beijing argues that Manila is conducting joint military patrols together with ‘’countries outside the region’’.

In a statement, the PLA’s Southern Theatre Command said Chinese forces would ‘’resolutely safeguard’’ the country’s territorial sovereignty as well as its maritime rights and interests, while maintaining ‘’peace and stability’’ in the area. Chinese state media also reported the patrol, echoing Beijing’s criticism of the Philippines.

China’s remarks came as the Philippine armed forces said the navies of the Philippines, the United States and Japan held joint drills in the South China Sea this week. Manila described the exercise as aimed at strengthening military cooperation with its allies.

Beijing regularly criticizes the growing involvement of the United States and its partners in the South China Sea, claiming such cooperation increases the risk of military incidents and escalation.

Meanwhile, recent developments suggest tensions are not limited to official statements. A Reuters investigation reported military and intelligence-related movements along routes that pass near the Philippines or cross areas within its maritime zone, including strategic directions linked to Taiwan.

Particular attention remains on the Bashi Channel, a stretch of sea between Taiwan and the Philippines. The channel is considered a key route, as it is one of the main gateways toward the Pacific Ocean.

Author: Mariam Simsive

China accuses the Philippines of undermining stability in the South China Sea Read More »

Chinese Company Enters Georgia’s Renewable Energy Sector

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In recent years, both Georgian Dream and Chinese officials have placed strong emphasis on cooperation in the field of new and renewable energy. On January 21, the Ambassador of China to Georgia, Zhou Qian, stated that Georgia–China cooperation “now involves more sectors and has reached a more advanced level.” As a prime example of this evolving collaboration, the ambassador highlighted the participation of a Chinese company in the Gori Wind Electropower project.

The Gori Wind Electropower project, officially known as the Ruisi Wind Farm Project, envisages the construction, development, and operation of a wind power facility with an installed capacity of 206 MW in the Gori and Kareli municipalities of Georgia. The project has been financed with an amount of 119 million USD by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

In 2024, the Chinese company Goldwind Science & Technology Co. Ltd won a state tender announced for the provision of installation and 15-year operation of 33 wind turbines. In January 2026, Goldwind completed the installation of the first turbine. According to the company, once installation is fully concluded, the wind farm will generate approximately 600 GWh of electricity annually.

The Chinese Ambassador assessed Goldwind’s success in the tender as one of the “significant achievements” of Chinese companies in Georgia. From Georgia’s perspective, however, this development underscores the growing involvement of China’s major energy companies in the country’s emerging energy sector.

Goldwind Science & Technology is a Chinese transnational company that provides products and services related to clean energy infrastructure. A closer examination of the company reveals its close ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). As of September 30, 2025, part of the company’s shares were owned by state-owned entities, including Xinjiang Wind Power Co. (11.78%) and China Three Gorges Renewables Co., Ltd. (9.16%). The latter is a subsidiary of China Three Gorges Corporation, which, in January 2020, was designated as a Chinese military company by the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control.

Goldwind is also associated with another sanctioned Chinese entity, the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps (XPCC). In 2020, Goldwind signed a contract with XPCC to supply power to one of the organization’s settlements. XPCC is a state-owned economic and paramilitary organization that exercises control over the Xinjiang region and has been sanctioned by both the United States and the European Union due to its involvement in serious and systematic human rights abuses against Uyghur Muslim minorities in China.

The company’s management structure is likewise closely linked to the CCP. Goldwind’s founder and executive director, Wu Gang, is a member of the CCP and has been awarded a commemorative medal by the CCP Central Committee, the State Council, and the Central Military Commission. Publicly available information also indicates that Wu Gang has advocated for the CCP’s repressive policies toward Uyghurs, having participated in a Chinese government campaign promoting ideological education among ethnic minorities in Xinjiang.

Within China, Goldwind’s operations have been associated with environmentally unfriendly and non-compliant practices, including illegal land occupation, excessive pollutant discharges, and noise pollution. For these violations, the company and its subsidiaries have been subjected to administrative penalties over the years, with cumulative fines amounting to 52.0991 million yuan.

On February 3, the European Union launched a formal investigation into Goldwind’s activities under the EU’s Foreign Subsidies Regulation, amid concerns that the company may have received subsidies from the Chinese government. In response, China’s Ministry of Commerce condemned the EU probe, characterizing it as “targeted” and “discriminatory.”

Concerns have also emerged regarding the safety of the company’s products. In November 2025, hazardous material, asbestos, was found in lift brake pads used across Goldwind’s wind farms in Australia. Following this discovery, access to Goldwind’s wind turbines was restricted.

Taken together, Goldwind Science & Technology’s close ties to the Chinese Communist Party and its questionable connections with sanctioned Chinese entities highlight Georgian Dream’s permissive approach toward cooperation with Chinese companies that carry controversial international reputations. Civic IDEA has repeatedly warned state institutions about the negative consequences of inadequate due-diligence practices when engaging with PRC-linked companies. The case of the Gori Wind Electropower project thus illustrates a new dimension of infrastructure development in Georgia that may be increasingly vulnerable to expanding Chinese strategic interests.

Chinese Company Enters Georgia’s Renewable Energy Sector Read More »

Washington and Beijing: Stability Without Trust

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Attempts to preserve dialogue and deep strategic distrust are appearing at the same time in U.S.-China relations: Washington says it wants stable ties with Beijing, while Beijing says communication is continuing over a possible visit by the U.S. president.

At a February 24 hearing of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, U.S. Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg said the administration wants a stable relationship with China but does not trust Beijing. He said there was ’’not enough basis’’ for that trust.

Helberg’s remarks came as Washington and Beijing prepare for a high-level meeting.

On the Chinese side, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a February 24 briefing that ’’head-of-state diplomacy’’ plays an irreplaceable strategic role in China-U.S. relations, and that the two sides are continuing communication regarding a possible visit.

The White House has confirmed that Trump’s visit to China is scheduled for March 31 to April 2. It would be his first trip to China since returning to office.

Author: Mariam Simsive

Washington and Beijing: Stability Without Trust Read More »

Hong Kong Court Rejects Appeals in ’’Hong Kong 47’’ Case

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Hong Kong’s Court of Appeal on Monday, February 23, rejected the appeals of 12 pro-democracy activists convicted in the city’s largest national security case, leaving their lengthy prison sentences in force.

The case, widely known as the ’’Hong Kong 47’’ relates to the mass arrests of opposition figures in early 2021. Detained politicians and activists were accused of conspiracy to overthrow state power. Many were denied bail and remained in custody for extended periods, while the proceedings became one of the longest and most complex trials in Hong Kong’s history.

According to prosecutors, the defendants organized an unofficial primary election in 2020 to select pro-democracy candidates. Authorities argued their ultimate goal was to secure a parliamentary majority and paralyze the government by blocking the budget, ultimately forcing the resignation of the executive leadership.

The court ruled that these actions constituted an attempt to overthrow the state power under the national security law. As a result, in late 2024 most defendants were found guilty and sentenced to between four and ten years in prison, with only two acquitted out of 47. Around 20 of those convicted have already been released after completing their terms.

The appellate court’s latest decision effectively upholds the original verdicts and closes one of the main legal avenues for several prominent activists and former lawmakers.

Western governments and human rights organizations argue that the case criminalizes normal political activity, while Hong Kong and Chinese authorities maintain that the national security law was necessary to restore stability in the city.

Author: Mariam Simsive

Hong Kong Court Rejects Appeals in ’’Hong Kong 47’’ Case Read More »

U.S. Reveals New Details of Alleged Secret Chinese Nuclear Test

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The United States has released new details alleging that China carried out a covert underground nuclear test in 2020.

A senior U.S. State Department official said the suspected test took place on June 22, 2020, at China’s Lop Nur nuclear test site in the Xinjiang region. According to the official, seismic data recorded by a monitoring station in Kazakhstan detected a magnitude 2.75 underground explosion, consistent with a nuclear detonation.

Washington maintains that the event cannot be explained by mining activity or natural earthquakes. ’’There is very little possibility that it is anything but an explosion’’, the official said.

However, the allegation remains contested. The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), which operates a global monitoring system for nuclear explosions, confirmed that two small seismic events were detected on that date but stated that the data were insufficient to determine their cause with confidence.

Independent experts have also expressed skepticism, noting that the signals were too weak to conclusively identify as a nuclear test.

U.S. officials suggested that China may have used a technique known as ’’Decoupling’’. It is a technique in which a device is detonated in an underground cavity, weakening seismic waves and making the detection of nuclear activities more difficult.

Beijing Rejects Claims

China has strongly denied conducting any nuclear test, calling the accusations baseless and politically motivated.  Beijing maintains that it has observed a voluntary moratorium on nuclear testing since its last acknowledged underground test in 1996.

Russia has likewise rejected the allegations, stating that neither Moscow nor Beijing has conducted secret nuclear tests.

The dispute emerged at a particularly sensitive moment for global nuclear stability – the expiration of New START in February 2026 removed the last restrictions on strategic arsenals and heightened the risk of nuclear weapons expansion.

New START (New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty) was a bilateral nuclear arms control agreement between the United States and Russia that imposed quantitative limits on deployed strategic nuclear weapons and established verification measures. It was signed in 2010.

Analysts say the ongoing dispute points to the erosion of international norms against nuclear testing and growing mistrust among major powers.

Author: Mariam Simsive

U.S. Reveals New Details of Alleged Secret Chinese Nuclear Test Read More »

Wang Yi in Munich: China’s Main Messages

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On February 13, 2026, the 62nd Munich Security Conference opened and continued through February 15. Within the framework of the event, on February 14, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi delivered remarks at the session titled ’’Conversation with China’’, after which he answered questions from the audience.

China’s senior diplomat presented Beijing’s vision of the international order and global governance, outlining the country’s key foreign policy messages.

UN-Centered Order, Anti-Bloc Rhetoric, and ’’True Multilateralism’’

At the Munich Security Conference, Wang Yi identified unilateral actions and a power-based order, which he described as the ’’law of the jungle’’, as the main causes of the erosion of global stability. In his assessment, humanity has reached a ’’new crossroads’’ for peace and development.

The central theme of the minister’s speech was the reform of global governance, which, he described, should be pursued through strengthening the United Nations, as weakening the organization would return the world to a power-based system.

He identified a ’’Cold War mentality’’ and bloc confrontation as the root causes of the crisis, proposing instead an approach grounded in inclusive cooperation, which he described as ’’harmony without uniformity’’.

One of the key concepts of the address was ’’true multilateralism’’, understood as a multipolar system based on the equal participation of states. According to Wang Yi, the world should no longer be governed by a handful of powerful countries, in a ’’multipolar world’’, decisions on international issues should be made collectively.

Wang also criticized unilateral sanctions and the setting of international rules by individual powers, advocating instead collective consultations grounded in international law.

Addressing the structure of global governance, he emphasized that it should reflect the evolving balance of power and the growing role of developing countries, including increased representation in international institutions and the formation of a more equitable international order.

Taiwan at the Center of China’s message at Munich Conference

At the conference, Wang Yi reiterated Beijing’s position on Taiwan, stating that the issue is a non-negotiable matter related to China’s sovereignty and remains one of the primary sources of tension. He warned that external support for the island could cross China’s defined ’’red lines’’.

According to Wang, the Taiwan issue is a legacy of China’s civil war and is regarded by Beijing as an internal affair. He argued that reunification is linked to territorial integrity, while moves toward Taiwanese independence or the use of the island as a tool to contain China would undermine regional stability.

According to Reuters, Wang also linked tensions around Taiwan to Japan, describing Tokyo’s policies as a contributing factor to regional instability.

Taiwan’s government responded to the remarks. Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung rejected Beijing’s position, described China as a threat to regional security, and criticized its appeal to UN principles amid increasing military pressure on the island. He emphasized that Taiwan’s future should be determined by its own people.

The exchange of statements demonstrates that disagreements between Beijing and Taipei over Taiwan’s status remain unchanged, and the issue continues to be a major challenge for regional security and interstate relations.

China Calls for Dialogue in Global Conflict Hotspots

At the 62nd Munich Security Conference, Wang Yi outlined Beijing’s position on the conflicts in Gaza, Iran, and Ukraine, identifying dialogue, mediation, and political settlement as the primary paths to stability.

Addressing the war in Gaza, Wang stated that an immediate ceasefire should be followed by reconstruction of the territory and the resumption of peace negotiations. He emphasized that resolving the conflict on the basis of a two-state solution is a responsibility of the international community.

Regarding Iran, Wang warned that developments in the country could undermine regional stability and called on all parties to exercise restraint. He noted that escalating tensions could affect energy, security, and diplomatic spheres, arguing that China favors dialogue and political crisis management over sanctions or military pressure.

Wang also addressed the war in Ukraine, stating that ’’the door to dialogue is finally open’’. He urged the parties to reach a ’’comprehensive, durable and binding’’ agreement, adding that only a settlement addressing the root causes of the conflict can ensure long-term stability in Europe.

Although Beijing presents itself as a neutral actor, critics question this stance due to China’s close relationship with Russia.

’’Partner, not rival’’

Wang Yi’s address reflected the core priorities of Beijing’s foreign policy – from global governance to relations with the United States and cooperation with Europe.

He described the launch of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan as a new stage of development, emphasizing that the country’s modernization follows a peaceful path aimed at promoting both national prosperity and global stability.

Discussing China-Europe relations, Wang stated that both sides are ’’indispensable poles’’ in a multipolar world and that their cooperation is crucial for global stability, in contrast, confrontation would increase economic and security risks.

According to the minister, China does not view the European Union as a systemic rival and supports mutually beneficial cooperation in trade, technology, climate, and global governance, based on mutual respect and shared interests.

Addressing relations with the United States, he warned that economic and technological decoupling raises the risk of conflict and serves no one’s interests. In his assessment, the future of bilateral relations depends on whether Washington chooses cooperation over confrontation, underscoring the need for continued dialogue.

Ultimately, he concluded that the ’’right direction’’ for the international system lies in strengthening the role of the United Nations.

The Munich Security Conference was held in Munich at the Hotel Bayerischer Hof. The forum traditionally serves as one of the leading platforms for international security policy, where world leaders and experts discuss contemporary global challenges.

Author: Mariam Simsive 

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