Civicidea

China-Pakistan Talks in Beijing: Strengthening Strategic Partnership and Regional Crises

Newswire / /

On May 25, a meeting took place in Beijing between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, during which the two sides discussed deepening their strategic partnership and addressing regional crises, including efforts toward de-escalation of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Xi Jinping referred to Pakistan as a “old friend” of China during the meeting, emphasizing the “unbreakable friendship” between the two countries. He stated that Beijing and Islamabad have maintained decades-long relations based on mutual support and are ready to further strengthen their strategic partnership.

The meeting was held at the Great Hall of the People in China and followed Sharif’s talks with Chinese Premier Li Qiang. It was also attended by Pakistan’s military leadership, including the Chief of Army Staff, highlighting the importance of security issues on the agenda.

According to international media assessments, one of the key topics of the meeting was the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and diplomatic efforts to bring it to an end. Pakistan has recently been seeking to enhance its role as a mediator between the United States and Iran, while China has called for restoring stability in the region.

At the same time, Pakistan-China economic cooperation remains central to the agenda. In recent business forums, agreements worth more than $1.2 billion were signed between the two countries, covering sectors such as energy and infrastructure.

The meeting underscores China’s efforts to maintain its influence in South Asia amid growing engagement from the United States and other powers in the region. For Pakistan, Beijing continues to be one of its key economic and security partners, particularly in an increasingly volatile geopolitical environment.

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Liaoning aircraft carrier drills trigger regional tensions

Newswire / /

The People’s Liberation Army of China has begun large-scale military exercises in the western Pacific Ocean led by the aircraft carrier Liaoning, prompting security concerns in Japan.

The Chinese navy states that the drills are “routine exercises conducted under the annual plan”, however part of the Western media notes that the activity is taking place amid growing strategic competition in the region, making the waters near Okinawa and Taiwan particularly sensitive and critical hotspots.

According to the South China Morning Post, the current exercises follow an incident that occurred in December last year. At that time, Japan says that Chinese J-15 fighter jets aimed fire-control radars at Japanese fighters near Okinawa, prompting an official protest from Tokyo.

Reuters reported that in April, Chinese naval vessels passed through straits near islands in Okinawa Prefecture en route to the western Pacific after completing exercises. The Japanese government assessed this as an indication of China’s growing naval and military capabilities.

Taiwanese Premier Cho Jung-tai said earlier this week that China’s military activities are “the greatest source of regional instability”. He added that Beijing continues to intensify military and political pressure on both Taiwan and the broader Indo-Pacific region.

Analysts assess that China’s more active operations of aircraft carriers in the western Pacific reflect Beijing’s attempt to expand its military influence beyond the “first island chain”, where the United States and its allies, including Japan, maintain a significant military presence.

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Strategic Ties Between Tbilisi and Beijing: Shalva Papuashvili’s Official Visit to China

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Following the establishment of a strategic partnership between Georgia and the People’s Republic of China, bilateral political relations have entered a broader and more multifaceted phase. The increasing number of visits by Georgian officials to China has now been joined by the official visit of the Speaker of the Georgian Dream’s Parliament, Shalva Papuashvili. The head of the legislative body departed for Beijing on May 18.

A central component of the visit consisted of meetings held in Beijing, during which Shalva Papuashvili personally met with Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress.

One of the main topics of discussion was the deepening of the strategic partnership between Georgia and China and the expansion of political dialogue. The sides noted that the two countries are already connected by significant legal and economic frameworks, including a free trade agreement and a visa-free regime, which, according to official assessments, contribute to the growth of trade and tourism flows.

Chinese official statements noted that relations between the two countries have entered a “new stage”, while Beijing once again reaffirmed its support for Georgia’s sovereignty and independence. In response, Papuashvili stated that Georgia continues to support the “One China Principle” and will actively engage in global development initiatives.

In addition to Beijing, Shalva Papuashvili visited Shaanxi Province, where he met with Zhao Yide, Chairman of the local provincial legislature. The meetings focused on issues of regional economic and cultural cooperation.

The visit program also prominently included meetings with China’s leading political institutions. In particular, the Speaker of Parliament met with Wang Huning, Chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC). The discussions focused on strengthening interparliamentary cooperation and developing institutional dialogue.

The parliamentary chairman also delivered a lecture at China Foreign Affairs University. During his speech, he spoke about Georgia’s geopolitical role, noting that the country has historically been part of the “Silk Road” and today represents an important link in the “Middle Corridor”, which strengthens transport connectivity between Europe and Asia. Addressing students and faculty members, Papuashvili reviewed Georgia’s foreign policy priorities and the country’s role in international transit and trade processes.

Speaking with the media, Shalva Papuashvili summarized the results of the visit and emphasized its “historical significance“. According to official assessments, the Chinese authorities and Tbilisi share an “absolutely identical approach“ to international challenges, which is based on peaceful coexistence and respect for the principles of international law.

Papuashvili’s visit is further evidence that visits by Georgian officials to China are no longer isolated diplomatic acts. The increasing frequency of trips to Beijing and various Chinese provinces by parliamentary committees and members of the ruling party in recent years suggests that the “eastern direction” has become one of the most active vectors of Georgia’s current foreign policy strategy.

Strategic Ties Between Tbilisi and Beijing: Shalva Papuashvili’s Official Visit to China Read More »

Tinatin Khidasheli to Speak at International Expert Discussion on Russian Influence Operations During Electoral Campaigns

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On 20 May, Tinatin Khidasheli, Chairwoman of Civic IDEA participated in an international expert discussion hosted by the Ukraine Crisis Media Center (UCMC): “Russian Influence Operations During Electoral Campaigns in EU and Eastern Partnership Countries in 2024–2025: Lessons for Ukraine.”

As part of the second panel, focused on electoral developments across Eastern Partnership countries, Tinatin Khidasheli addressed the topic: “Georgia: elections according to the authorities’ scenario.”

The discussion brought together leading experts, policymakers, and analysts from across Europe to examine how Russian influence operations target democratic electoral processes and to reflect on lessons for strengthening resilience against disinformation and hybrid threats.

 

Watch the discussion:

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Xi and Putin in Beijing: Demonstration of Strategic Partnership and Unresolved “Power of Siberia 2”

Newswire / /

On May 20, Chinese President Xi Jinping hosted Russian President Vladimir Putin on an official visit, during which the two sides signed dozens of cooperation documents and described bilateral relations as having entered a “new stage”.

The meeting took place just a few days after U.S. President Donald Trump visited China, which, according to international media assessments, allowed Beijing and Moscow to once again demonstrate a unified political stance toward the West. This reflects China’s strategy of maintaining strategic ties with Russia while simultaneously managing its relationship with Washington.

In a joint statement issued after the talks, China and Russia reaffirmed their support for a “multipolar world order”. According to official statements, the sides paid particular attention to strengthening cooperation in the fields of the economy, energy, technology, science, education, and media.

Xi Jinping described bilateral relations as being at a “historically highest level”, while Putin stated that China-Russia cooperation is developing steadily “under conditions of external pressure”. Both leaders criticized “unilateralism” and “hegemonic approaches” in international politics. This rhetoric has been frequently used by Beijing and Moscow in recent years when assessing Western, particularly U.S., policies.

International security issues were also discussed at the summit, including the war in Ukraine, the Middle East crisis, and growing competition in the Asia-Pacific region. China reiterated that conflicts should be resolved through “dialogue and political negotiations”.

One of the key topics of the meeting was energy cooperation. Russia is attempting to expand its lost positions in European markets toward China. In this context, the strategically important “Power of Siberia 2” project aims to transport 50 billion cubic meters of Russian gas annually to China from the Yamal fields via Mongolia.

However, despite high expectations, the sides once again failed to reach a final agreement at the Beijing summit. According to the Kremlin, there is agreement on the “main aspects” of the project, but several details still need to be finalized. International media reports that disagreements relate to gas pricing, financing, and long-term contractual terms.

Western media note that relations between Beijing and Moscow are asymmetrical. After the war in Ukraine and amid Western sanctions and the loss of European markets, Russia’s economic dependence on China has significantly increased, giving Beijing additional leverage. China is taking advantage of this and seeks to secure Russian energy resources under the most favorable conditions. At the same time, China is trying to manage cooperation with Russia in a way that does not fully damage its own economic relations with the West.

This situation shows that despite strategic and political rapprochement, relations between Beijing and Moscow are still clearly based on pragmatic economic interests, where both sides seek to maximize protection of their own conditions.

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Tinatin Khidasheli on Georgia’s Military Readiness and the Future of National Defense

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Civic IDEA was pleased to participate in the webinar “Armies and Nations: Georgian Military Since Independence”, featuring our Chairperson Tinatin Khidasheli, alongside Giorgi Shaishmelashvili, moderated by Shota Gvineria.

The discussion explored the evolution of Georgia’s armed forces since independence and examined a fundamental question: how prepared is Georgia to defend itself against today’s growing security challenges?

Georgia’s international missions in Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan played a transformative role in shaping its military. These experiences helped build a more professional, disciplined, and capable defense force by:

• Professionalizing the armed forces through merit-based military culture and institutional development
• Building interoperability with NATO allies and strengthening operational readiness
• Developing leadership, raising a new generation of experienced officers and non-commissioned officers
• Enhancing Georgia’s strategic credibility through meaningful contributions to global security
• Reinforcing Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations through sustained defense cooperation

At the same time, the discussion underscored an important lesson: military excellence abroad must be matched by strategic preparedness at home.
Georgia’s challenge today is clear: to preserve the professionalism and partnerships built over decades while ensuring that every reform strengthens one core objective—the defense of Georgia itself.

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A new phase in US-China trade relations is underway

Newswire / /

Following the meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping in Beijing, the White House announced that China will purchase at least $17 billion worth of American agricultural products annually between 2026 and 2028.

The agreement covers a wide range of agricultural goods, including soybeans, beef, poultry products, and other agricultural commodities. This step is particularly important for American farmers, as US agricultural exports to China have sharply declined in recent years amid US-China trade tensions.

According to Reuters, US agricultural exports to China fell by 65.7% year-on-year in 2025, reaching only $8.4 billion. During the same period, China also significantly reduced its dependence on American soybeans, from 41% in 2016 to about 20% in 2024.

Agriculture was one of the key topics of the negotiations. According to Reuters, Washington sought stronger purchasing guarantees from Beijing, particularly regarding soybeans. The two sides are also planning to establish US-China trade and investment councils that will work on tariff reductions and market access issues.

The Financial Times reports that the new mechanisms are expected to cover so-called “non-sensitive” goods and investments. The plan also includes opening the Chinese market to American beef and the aviation sector.

The Trump administration describes the agreement as a step toward “stabilizing economic relations”. Despite optimistic statements, Beijing says the agreements have not yet been finalized. China’s Ministry of Commerce stated on May 16 that agreements related to tariffs, agriculture, and aviation are still “preliminary” and require further negotiations.

Despite ongoing crises surrounding Taiwan and the tech sector, the Beijing summit showed a willingness for mutual economic compromise. Washington and Beijing are attempting to rebuild ties in areas where interdependence is vital.

A new phase in US-China trade relations is underway Read More »

China in the South Caucasus and Kazakhstan (11-17 May)

Weekly news / /
Georgia

Chinese Language Competition Qualifying Round to Be Held in Tbilisi

15 May

On 15 May, it was announced that the qualifying round of the 25th international “Chinese Bridge” competition will take place on 12 June at the Kakha Bendukidze Campus in Tbilisi.

The competition is open to undergraduate students studying Chinese. It consists of three stages: a speech, a Q&A session, and a performance segment.

 

Chinese Media Announces Official Visit of Georgian Parliament Speaker

16 May

On 16 May, Chinese state media agency Xinhua reported that Speaker of the Parliament of Georgia Shalva Papuashvili will pay an official visit to China from 18-20 May.

The visit is taking place at the invitation of Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress.

During the visit, the Georgian delegation will meet with senior officials of China’s legislative body. The sides will discuss strengthening Georgia-China relations, including political dialogue and economic cooperation.

Azerbaijan

Azerbaijani Artists’ Exhibition “Dialogue through Art” to Open in China

16 May

An exhibition of Azerbaijani artists will be held at the Today Art Museum in Beijing, according to AZERTAC on 16 May.

The exhibition, titled “Dialogue through Art”, will open on 20 May. It is organized by Azerbaijan’s Embassy in China in cooperation with the Innovation Center for Art and Travel and the AYDANI Gallery.

Around 20 Azerbaijani artists will be featured, presenting both classical fine art and contemporary digital works. The project aims to strengthen cultural diplomacy and expand creative ties between Azerbaijan and China.

Wang Xinping: Hosting WUF13 Shows Azerbaijan’s International Responsibility

16 May

Hosting the 13th session of the UN World Urban Forum (WUF13) demonstrates Azerbaijan’s high international responsibility, said Wang Xinping, professor at Southeast University in China, in an exclusive interview with AZERTAC on 16 May.

He noted that WUF13 is a high-level global platform and its hosting in Azerbaijan allows the country to share its experience in urban development and modern technology implementation.

Wang also stated that Chinese government, academic, and business delegations will participate, contributing to deeper China-Azerbaijan cooperation in urban planning and city development.

Armenia

Days of Armenian Culture to Be Held in China

13 May

In 2026, Days of Armenian Culture will be held in China, announced Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of Armenia Artur Martirosyan during the opening of the Armenian stage of the “Chinese Bridge” competition.

He said the initiative will strengthen humanitarian and cultural cooperation between the two countries.

Armenia was among the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with China after independence, and cooperation continues to develop across multiple sectors.

In August 2025, Armenia and China officially established a strategic partnership covering economy, trade, infrastructure, and culture.

Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan and China Discuss Expansion of Cooperation

12 May

Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev met with Chinese Ambassador Han Chunlin to discuss current issues in bilateral cooperation and future expansion prospects.

Special attention was given to the schedule of high-level bilateral and multilateral events planned for 2026.

The sides also exchanged views on regional and international issues.

Kazakhstan Ratifies Investment Agreement with China

14 May

On 14 May, Kazakhstan’s Senate ratified a new agreement with China on the encouragement and mutual protection of investments.

According to Senator Sergey Yershov, the agreement formalizes commitments made during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Astana in June 2025.

The updated treaty replaces the 1992 agreement and aligns investment rules with modern international standards.

It aims to ensure equal conditions for investors and promote high-tech projects, job creation, and export growth. In 2025, Chinese direct investment in Kazakhstan reached $2.8 billion, a 135% year-on-year increase.

China in the South Caucasus and Kazakhstan (11-17 May) Read More »

Meeting of Trump and Xi Jinping Without Agreements: “Business First” Amid Deep Political Differences

Newswire / /

Following talks held in Beijing on 13-15 May, Donald Trump and Xi Jinping expressed readiness to stabilize relations and deepen economic cooperation, but the meeting ended without any concrete agreements.

The US-China summit was preceded by months of rising tensions. Despite diplomatic rhetoric, official statements showed that fundamental differences between Washington and Beijing remain unresolved.

At the talks in Beijing, the main focus was placed on economic relations between the two countries. The Chinese side described the process as a “dialogue based on mutual respect and stability”, while Trump stated that the US supports “strong economic relations with China”, although protecting American interests remains a priority.

Despite the optimistic public tone, the emphasis in the parties’ assessments differed. Chinese state media highlighted the importance of strengthening economic cooperation, while the US official statement indicated that the meeting primarily served to maintain dialogue.

This dissonance also became evident around Taiwan, which remains a sensitive issue between Washington and Beijing. China considers the island its own territory and is increasing military pressure in the region, while the US continues to support Taiwan’s security. During the summit, the Chinese side urged the White House to take a cautious approach on Taiwan-related issues, while the American side maintained a more ambiguous position.

Differences in views were also evident in discussions of the Iran crisis and Middle East security. Xi Jinping once again called on the parties to establish a ceasefire and ensure the security of maritime trade routes, especially the Strait of Hormuz. Donald Trump’s position, meanwhile, remained focused on continuing pressure on Iran and reducing regional security risks.

One of the central topics of the summit was technological competition, particularly in semiconductors and artificial intelligence (AI). Washington justifies strict restrictions on Chinese companies on national security grounds, while Beijing views these measures as an attempt to hinder China’s technological development.

International media described the summit as “business-first”, where the parties, despite deep political disagreements, avoid a complete breakdown of economic ties. In reality, a full-scale crisis is not in either side’s interest at this stage, as China’s economy is experiencing stagnation, while the US is trying to stabilize inflation and supply chains. Analysts note that the meeting did not lead to any outcome that would fundamentally change US-China relations, as structural competition between the two countries remains deep and multifaceted.

Ultimately, the main outcome of the Beijing meeting, according to assessments, is the preservation of channels of dialogue and a mutual desire to avoid escalation. Despite official rhetoric about stability, global competition between the world’s two largest powers continues at an unchanged pace and is expected to remain the key defining factor in US-China relations in the near future.

Meeting of Trump and Xi Jinping Without Agreements: “Business First” Amid Deep Political Differences Read More »

Trump-Xi Summit in Beijing: Key Agenda and Expectations

Newswire / /

U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping are preparing to meet in Beijing this week. The official agenda includes trade tariffs, rare earth supply chains, artificial intelligence regulation, and global security issues, though Taiwan is expected to remain the central focus of the talks.

In recent years, Taiwan has become one of the most sensitive issues in U.S.-China relations. Beijing considers the island part of its territory and views “reunification” as a matter of national security and state sovereignty. Chinese officials increasingly describe the Taiwan issue as the “greatest risk” to worsening relations between the two powers.

The upcoming summit in Beijing is being closely watched in Taipei. Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung said Taiwan remains confident in the stability of its relations with the United States, but hopes the Trump-Xi meeting will not produce any “surprises”. According to him, any unexpected agreement could directly affect regional security.

Taipei’s concerns are not merely rhetorical. Taiwan’s security agencies believe Beijing may attempt to use economic leverage to soften Washington’s position on Taiwan. According to Reuters, China could try to link trade agreements or economic concessions to the Taiwan issue.

These concerns are also partly tied to Trump’s foreign policy style, which has often been characterized by a transactional approach.

At the same time, Taiwan is no longer only a geopolitical flashpoint. The island has become a major hub of global technology. Taiwanese companies play a critical role in global semiconductor supply chains, producing a large share of the chips used in smartphones, artificial intelligence systems, data centers, military technologies, and modern industrial equipment.

Washington has repeatedly stated that U.S. policy toward Taiwan remains unchanged and that any forceful alteration of the regional status quo would be unacceptable. Meanwhile, China has intensified military and political pressure on Taiwan in recent years by expanding military drills, increasing air and naval activity around the island, and attempting to limit Taiwan’s international space.

Against this backdrop, the outcome of the Beijing summit could shape not only the future of U.S.-China relations but also the broader balance of power in the Indo-Pacific region. That is why Taiwan remains at the center of strategic competition between the world’s two largest powers.

Trump-Xi Summit in Beijing: Key Agenda and Expectations Read More »

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