Civicidea

Beijing Lodges Formal Protest over Japan’s New Defence White Paper

Newswire / /

On August 5, China’s Foreign Ministry said it had lodged a formal protest with Japan over its newly released defence white paper. Beijing accused Tokyo of deliberately amplifying the so-called China threat, making unfounded claims about Taiwan and using them to justify the expansion of its military capabilities.

Japan published its annual defence report on August 4. The document states that China has intensified military activity around Taiwan and that the overall balance of forces across the Taiwan Strait is shifting rapidly in Beijing’s favour. Tokyo describes China’s military activities as a serious threat to Japan and the international community, as well as the country’s greatest strategic challenge.

China’s Foreign Ministry rejected the assessment, insisting that Taiwan is an internal Chinese matter in which Japan has no right to interfere. The ministry described Beijing’s military activities around Taiwan as “legitimate and reasonable“.

Beijing also accused Tokyo of seeking a pretext for its military build-up and gradually weakening Japan’s post-war defence restrictions. Chinese authorities urged Japan to stop using China to justify military expansion and to refrain from interfering in the Taiwan issue.

 

Beijing Lodges Formal Protest over Japan’s New Defence White Paper Read More »

China Draws Economic “Red Lines” Ahead of Trade Talks with the West

Newswire / /

Ahead of expected trade negotiations with the United States and the European Union, China is signaling that it does not intend to fundamentally alter its economic course, which is centered on manufacturing and high-tech industries. Beijing rejects Western accusations that state subsidies and excess production capacity distort global competition.

At the end of July, the Politburo of the Chinese Communist Party endorsed the continuation of the current economic policy. The leadership emphasized the need for targeted support and stronger domestic demand but did not unveil a new package of large-scale stimulus measures or structural reforms.

According to China’s Ministry of Commerce, allegations of overcapacity are being used to justify discriminatory trade measures against Chinese companies. Beijing argues that industrial and technological development is essential for narrowing the economic gap with advanced economies.

The United States and the European Union, however, maintain that state support, weak domestic demand and the rapid expansion of production capacity give Chinese companies a price advantage in foreign markets. Brussels and Washington identify subsidies, market-access barriers and unequal competitive conditions as key concerns.

Despite its firm rhetoric, Beijing is seeking to address certain domestic imbalances, though it is not considering major concessions. According to Reuters, China is drawing “red lines” ahead of negotiations with the West, signaling which aspects of its economic policy it is unwilling to change.

China Draws Economic “Red Lines” Ahead of Trade Talks with the West Read More »

China in the South Caucasus and Tajikistan (July 27-August 2)

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Georgia

Irakli Kobakhidze Attends Farewell Reception for Chinese Ambassador

July 27

A reception marking the 99th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army and the conclusion of Chinese Ambassador Zhou Qian’s diplomatic mission in Georgia was held in Tbilisi on July 27. Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, government officials and members of the diplomatic corps attended the event.

Kobakhidze thanked Zhou for his contribution to bilateral relations and said cooperation had expanded across political, economic and people-to-people fields since the two countries established a strategic partnership in 2023. According to the prime minister, China is Georgia’s third-largest trading partner and the second-largest market for Georgia’s domestically produced exports.

Zhou reviewed his four-year tenure in Georgia, saying bilateral ties had first been elevated to a strategic partnership and later to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

 

Georgian Ambassador Attends China Institute of International Studies Event

July 28

On July 28, the China Institute of International Studies (CIIS) presented a new publication in Beijing examining the international landscape and China’s foreign policy. Georgia’s Ambassador to China Paata Kalandadze and heads of diplomatic missions from several countries attended the event.

Participants were introduced to the institute’s new publication, Blue Book on International Situation and China’s Foreign Affairs. The volume reviews shifts in the international system, global challenges and the main directions of Chinese foreign policy in 2025-2026.

During the event, diplomats and Chinese researchers exchanged views on international developments and discussed opportunities to strengthen expert-level cooperation.

Azerbaijan

 

China Signals Readiness to Deepen Military Cooperation with Azerbaijan

July 28

An official reception marking the 99th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army was held in Baku on July 28. The event was hosted by Chinese Ambassador Lu Mei and defence attache Senior Colonel Song Jun.

Speaking at the reception, Lu called for expanding military and technological cooperation with Azerbaijan. She said defence ties were an important part of the two countries’ comprehensive strategic partnership and that the Chinese military was ready to strengthen contacts and practical cooperation with the Azerbaijani Armed Forces.

The ambassador also addressed artificial intelligence, saying Beijing was interested in sharing experience and technological capabilities with Azerbaijan. In this context, she referred to the China-initiated World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO), which aims to promote the safe and equitable development of AI.

 

Azerbaijani Scholar Presents Confucius Translation Project in China

July 30

A conference titled “Intercivilizational Exchange and the Translation of Ancient Classics” was held in China on July 30. Agshin Aliyev, head of the Azerbaijani Language Department at the Asian Faculty of Beijing Foreign Studies University and a board member of the International Confucian Association, took part in the event.

Aliyev discussed the methods and challenges involved in rendering key concepts of Confucian philosophy into Azerbaijani. He produced the first direct Chinese-to-Azerbaijani translation of Confucius’s collection of sayings and dialogues, The Analects.

The event was organized by the International Confucian Association and the Confucius Research Institute and brought together around 50 scholars from 20 countries.

 

Joint Azerbaijan-China Engineering Faculty to Admit First Students

July 31

Baku Engineering University and Beijing University of Chemical Technology have opened admissions for the first cohort of their joint engineering faculty. The faculty will begin operating in the 2026-2027 academic year.

Degree programs will cover computer science, chemistry, biotechnology and mechanical engineering. The program will follow a “3+1” model: students will spend their first three years in Azerbaijan and their final year in China.

Graduates who successfully meet the program requirements will receive diplomas from both universities. The partnership also includes joint research, academic mobility and technology transfer.



Armenia

 

Armenian Representatives Attend SCO Media and Think Tank Summit

July 27

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s Media and Think Tank Summit opened in Bishkek on July 27, with participation from Armenia’s Public Relations and Information Center under the Prime Minister’s Office and the Armenpress news agency.

The event was organized by China’s state-run Xinhua News Agency and Kyrgyzstan’s Kabar agency. Discussions focused on international information cooperation, the digital transformation of media, countering disinformation and the use of artificial intelligence. The summit brought together around 250 participants from 26 countries.

 

Pashinyan Links Strategic Ties with China to Foreign Policy Diversification

July 30

At a press briefing on July 30, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan discussed efforts to diversify the country’s foreign policy and named China among the states with which Yerevan has signed documents defining strategic relations.

Pashinyan said Armenia had previously lacked alternatives in its economic and political ties but was now working to broaden its circle of partners. He noted that Yerevan had signed documents on strategic relations with China, the United States, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, France and other countries.

The Armenian prime minister said relations with any country should not be constrained. He described Yerevan’s new approach as an effort not to replace existing partners, but to balance political and economic ties and create alternatives.

Tajikistan

Chinese-Backed Mining and Metallurgical Park Discussed in Sughd Region

July 27

Sughd regional head Rajab Ahmadzoda met Sun Qian, chairman of the board of Chinese company Antaike Information & Technology, in Khujand on July 27 to discuss the possible creation of a modern mining and metallurgical industrial park in the region.

Talks focused on attracting Chinese investment, production technologies and specialists. Tajik officials said the proposed park could help expand industrial output and create additional jobs in the region. The Chinese delegation’s visit followed a working trip to China by Sughd regional representatives from July 12 to 18.

Chinese Company Discusses 200 MW Solar Plant Project in Tajikistan

July 27

Tajik Energy and Water Resources Minister Daler Juma met Li Yahun, vice president of China Energy Overseas Investment, in Dushanbe on July 27. The meeting focused on plans to build a 200-megawatt solar power plant in the north of the country.

The sides reviewed preparations for the project and the next stages of cooperation. Participants expressed readiness to accelerate implementation and continue technical consultations. The project is intended to develop Tajikistan’s renewable energy resources and increase electricity generation.

 

Tajikistan and China Discuss AI in Education and Student Exchanges

July 29

Chinese Ambassador Guo Zhijun met Tajik Education and Science Minister Rahim Saidzoda in Dushanbe on July 29 to discuss expanding cooperation in education and scientific research.

The sides identified AI education, the training of highly qualified specialists, and stronger student and academic exchanges between Tajik and Chinese universities as priorities. Tajikistan also expressed readiness to continue supporting Chinese-language teaching and programs promoting Chinese culture.

 

Waste-to-Energy Project Discussed in Dushanbe

July 30

Tajik Energy and Water Resources Minister Daler Juma and Environmental Protection Committee Chairman Bahodur Sheralizoda held a video conference with executives from Chinese company Wangneng Environment on July 30 to discuss plans for a waste-processing plant in Dushanbe.

The initiative envisages incinerating municipal solid waste and using the heat generated in the process to produce electricity. The project aims to reduce the volume of waste accumulated in the capital and use it as an energy resource.

 

 

China’s Share of Tajikistan’s Electric Vehicle Imports Exceeds 97%

August 2

According to customs data published on August 2, Tajikistan imported 9,386 passenger cars from China in the first half of 2026, with a total customs value of $140.2 million.

China ranked second after South Korea by the number of imported vehicles, but became Tajikistan’s largest supplier by total value.

China’s dominance was especially pronounced in the electric vehicle market. Of at least 7,069 EVs imported into Tajikistan in the first six months of the year, 6,875 – around 97.3% – came from China. Their total customs value was about $109.7 million. The figures show that Tajikistan’s EV market is almost entirely dependent on Chinese-made vehicles.

China in the South Caucasus and Tajikistan (July 27-August 2) Read More »

Xi Jinping Calls for Stronger Anti-Corruption Efforts in China’s Military

Newswire / /

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for a deeper fight against corruption within the country’s armed forces and for an acceleration of military modernization. According to information released on July 31, he made the remarks during a thematic study session of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China.

Xi said the People’s Liberation Army must remain under the absolute leadership of the Communist Party. He identified combat effectiveness as the primary measure of military development and noted that corruption undermines both the political unity and operational capabilities of the armed forces.

The Chinese leader placed particular emphasis on technological modernization. He said Beijing should accelerate the development of an “intelligent military system”, involving the broader use of unmanned technologies, artificial intelligence, and cyber-information systems in the military sphere.

The remarks were made ahead of the 99th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army. During Xi Jinping’s tenure, the anti-corruption campaign has also targeted the military’s senior leadership and procurement system. According to the International Institute for Strategic Studies, the large-scale purge exposed problems within the command structure and affected the military’s combat readiness in the short term.

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China Accuses Germany of Provoking a Trade Confrontation

Newswire / /

China’s Foreign Ministry has urged Germany to focus on cooperation rather than searching for vulnerabilities in the Chinese economy. Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning made the remarks on July 29 in response to a Bloomberg report claiming that Berlin is examining possible leverage against Beijing in preparation for a potential trade confrontation.

According to sources, German officials are analysing trade flows and company data to determine the extent to which China depends on European technology and industrial expertise. The areas reportedly identified include German companies Trumpf and Carl Zeiss, which specialise in high-precision industrial and optical technologies.

Mao Ning said that interdependence within production and supply chains is a natural feature of the globalised economy. She added that China-Germany economic cooperation is based on mutual benefit and that the two sides should strengthen communication and coordination to support the stability of global supply chains.

Germany is seeking to reduce its economic dependence on China, although the Chinese market remains important for its largest companies. China remained Germany’s biggest trading partner in 2025, with bilateral trade in goods reaching approximately €250 billion. Around 5,000 German companies operate in China, increasing the economic risks of a possible trade confrontation for both sides.

Tensions between the two countries are also being fuelled by Germany’s trade deficit, growing competition from Chinese companies and disputes over Chinese state subsidies. While Europe is seeking to reduce its dependence on Beijing, China views such measures as protectionist.

China Accuses Germany of Provoking a Trade Confrontation Read More »

Beijing Criticizes New US Measures

Newswire / /

Beijing has criticized new US measures involving additional tariffs on Chinese goods and possible restrictions on Chinese companies operating in the artificial intelligence sector.

On July 27, China’s Ministry of Commerce accused Washington of pursuing “hegemonism in the field of artificial intelligence”. The statement followed warnings from senior US officials that Chinese AI companies could face investigations, sanctions and trade restrictions if the unlawful use of American technology is confirmed.

The dispute concerns, among other companies, Beijing-based Moonshot AI and its Kimi K3 model. US officials have accused Chinese developers of extracting data from American artificial intelligence models. China’s Ministry of Commerce said the allegations lacked factual and legal grounds and stated that Beijing would take “all necessary measures” to protect the lawful rights and interests of its companies.

On the same day, Beijing also criticized new US tariffs imposed on 60 trading partners. According to Washington, the decision targets countries that do not take sufficient measures to prevent imports of goods produced through forced labour. The United States imposed tariffs of either 10% or 12.5% on goods from various countries, while Chinese products were subjected to a 12.5% rate. The measures followed investigations conducted under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974.

China’s Ministry of Commerce described the decision as unilateral protectionism and called on the United States to remove the tariffs. Beijing said China has appropriate legal mechanisms in place to combat forced labour and argued that Washington’s allegations are being used to justify the introduction of new trade barriers.

Beijing Criticizes New US Measures Read More »

China in the South Caucasus and Uzbekistan (20-26 July)

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Georgia

China Becomes Georgia’s Top Market for Domestic Exports

20 July

On 20 July, Georgia’s National Statistics Office, Geostat, released foreign-trade figures for the first half of 2026. According to the report, Georgia exported $428.6 million worth of goods to China during the period, up about 143% from a year earlier.

China became the leading destination for Georgia’s domestic exports, goods of Georgian origin excluding re-exports, with shipments worth $417 million. Ores and concentrates of precious metals, petroleum products and copper ores were the leading export categories.

Imports from China rose 22.5% to $1.07 billion, according to the published figures. Bilateral trade totalled nearly $1.5 billion, making China Georgia’s third-largest trading partner after Turkey and Russia.

 

Bronze Collection from China’s Shanxi Province Goes on Display in Tbilisi

20 July

An exhibition titled “From the Yellow River to the Caucasus: The Bronze Civilisation of Shanxi, China” opened at the Georgian National Museum on 20 July. The display introduces visitors to the bronze art and historical heritage of Shanxi Province, one of China’s oldest cultural centres.

The exhibition features 36 ancient bronze artefacts brought from the Shanxi Museum. The objects represent different stages of China’s bronze civilisation, as well as its ritual traditions and artistic techniques.

The opening ceremony was attended by Chinese Ambassador to Georgia Zhou Qian, Georgia’s deputy culture minister, and representatives of the Georgian National Museum and the Shanxi Museum. Speakers highlighted the expansion of cultural cooperation between Georgia and China and the importance of closer ties between their museums. The exhibition will remain open at the Georgian National Museum until 18 October.

 

Georgian Ambassador Meets Chinese Bus Manufacturer Yutong Group

23 July

Georgia’s Ambassador to China, Paata Kalandadze, hosted a delegation from Chinese vehicle manufacturer Yutong Group on 23 July. The sides discussed the company’s operations in Georgia and opportunities to expand future cooperation.

The Chinese delegation was led by Yutong Group regional manager Cai Tang. According to the Georgian Embassy, the company has operated in the Georgian market since 2012 and manufactures buses and other vehicles.

 

Chinese Ambassador Holds Farewell Meeting with Georgian President

23 July

Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili met Chinese Ambassador Zhou Qian on 23 July as the diplomat prepared to conclude his posting in Georgia. The talks focused on progress in Georgia-China relations in recent years and prospects for further cooperation.

The sides highlighted the introduction of visa-free travel, the expansion of direct flights, opportunities created by free trade, and the mutual recognition of academic diplomas. They said these measures had created additional opportunities for travel, business links and educational cooperation between the two countries.

Priorities for future cooperation included stronger ties between scientific and research institutions, joint initiatives in technology, and the continuation of high-level political dialogue.

Azerbaijan

 

Chinese Communist Party Delegation Visits Azerbaijan

23 July

A delegation from the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China arrived in Baku on 20 July at the invitation of the New Azerbaijan Party. The delegation was led by Kan Shuai, a representative of the party’s International Department.

During the visit, the delegation met the ruling party’s youth organisation, attended an event at the Academy of Public Administration on China’s experience in state governance, and discussed party-to-party and youth cooperation.

Speaker of Azerbaijan’s parliament Sahiba Gafarova received the delegation on 21 July. The sides discussed stronger parliamentary and party ties, as well as cooperation in the economy, trade, education, culture and youth policy. The visit concluded on 23 July with a final meeting with Tahir Budagov, deputy chairman of the New Azerbaijan Party.

 

Azerbaijan and PowerChina Resources Discuss Green Energy Projects

23 July

Azerbaijan is exploring expanded cooperation with China’s PowerChina Resources in renewable energy. A meeting in Baku on 23 July focused on the development of solar and wind power plants, electricity exports, and new projects under public-private partnership arrangements.

Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov met company president Yan Tianfu. The sides assessed the Chinese firm’s potential participation in Azerbaijan’s energy projects and discussed practical areas of cooperation.

The talks also covered the efficient management of mineral resources and water reserves. Azerbaijan’s Economy Ministry said renewable energy and the sustainable use of resources remained among the most promising areas of Azerbaijan-China economic cooperation.

 

Baku State University Begins Cooperation with China’s Liaodong University

23 July

Baku State University signed a memorandum on academic and scientific cooperation with China’s Liaodong University on 23 July. The agreement provides for the development of research, education and exchange programmes between the two institutions.

Under the memorandum, the universities plan to organise joint research and conferences, develop academic programmes and prepare scholarly publications. The document also provides for exchanges of students, researchers and administrative staff.

The agreement was signed by Baku State University Rector Elchin Babayev and Liaodong University Rector Fu Libin. The universities said the partnership would deepen academic ties and support joint projects.

China in the South Caucasus and Uzbekistan (20-26 July) Read More »

Pakistan Seeks to Revive US-Iran Talks at China’s Initiative

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Pakistan is holding preliminary diplomatic consultations aimed at reviving suspended talks between the United States and Iran. According to Reuters, the initiative originated with China, which is seeking to end nearly five months of military confrontation and restore key regional trade routes.

Foreign media report that the possibility of renewed US-Iran talks was discussed during Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni’s visit to Islamabad. It was his second visit to Pakistan in the past ten days. Momeni met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces Asim Munir. According to a Pakistani official, one of the conditions for restarting negotiations is an end to attacks against Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states.

China’s interest is directly linked to its economic and energy priorities. Beijing is Iran’s largest trading partner and the main buyer of its exported oil. The near closure of the Strait of Hormuz and threats to shipping in the Red Sea are disrupting energy and trade routes that are critical to China.

China’s Foreign Ministry says Beijing supports mediation efforts by Pakistan and other parties and will continue to play an active role in restoring peace in the Gulf region. On July 16, China and Pakistan also called on the United States and Iran to halt hostilities and return to dialogue.

Pakistan Seeks to Revive US-Iran Talks at China’s Initiative Read More »

Wang Yi and Marco Rubio Discussed Xi Jinping’s Visit to the United States

Newswire / /

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met in Manila on July 22 on the sidelines of ASEAN meetings. One of the main topics of the talks was preparation for Chinese President Xi Jinping’s planned visit to Washington in September.

The two sides also discussed U.S.-China trade relations, Taiwan, and tensions in the South China Sea. Rubio said that despite the differences between the two countries, Washington and Beijing should not allow their disagreements to escalate beyond control.

According to China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Wang urged the U.S. side to respect China’s “core interests,” uphold the “One China” principle, and refrain from actions that could deepen tensions in bilateral relations.

Both sides described the meeting as pragmatic, positive, and constructive. The talks took place amid ongoing tensions in U.S.-China relations and were aimed at maintaining high-level communication between the two countries.

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China and the Philippines Clash Near Second Thomas Shoal

Newswire / /

A physical confrontation occurred in the South China Sea between members of the Chinese Coast Guard and the Philippine Navy. A Filipino sailor was injured in the incident, while the two sides blamed each other for what happened.

According to the Armed Forces of the Philippines, on July 20, a small Chinese Coast Guard vessel approached a Philippine military outpost near Second Thomas Shoal. During the confrontation, a Chinese Coast Guard officer struck a Filipino sailor several times on the head with a wooden baton and also damaged his inflatable boat. The injured sailor sustained wounds to the head.

Beijing rejected Manila’s account. According to the Chinese Coast Guard, two Philippine vessels ignored warnings, deliberately collided with a Chinese patrol boat and attacked Chinese personnel first. The Chinese side maintains that its actions were lawful and defensive in nature.

The incident occurred near Second Thomas Shoal, known in the Philippines as Ayungin Shoal. The reef is one of the main flashpoints between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea. Manila has maintained a presence there since 1999, while China considers the reef part of its territory. In 2016, an international arbitral tribunal ruled that Beijing’s territorial claims over most of the South China Sea had no legal basis. China does not recognise the ruling.

The confrontation occurred ahead of a meeting of foreign ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Manila. One of the main issues on the agenda is the management of tensions in the South China Sea and ongoing negotiations on a regional code of conduct. The incident once again showed that maritime tensions between the two sides could escalate into physical violence and a broader regional confrontation.

China and the Philippines Clash Near Second Thomas Shoal Read More »

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