Civicidea

Civic IDEA’s Statement Regarding the Targeted Disinformation Campaign Against the Organization

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Today, pro-government media outlets launched a targeted disinformation campaign against Civic IDEA and its chairperson, Tinatin Khidasheli.

The narratives disseminated by these outlets align with Georgian Dream’s latest tactic: labeling anyone who asks critical questions as part of “anti-government forces” to divert attention from real issues. This campaign aims to obscure the findings of our research and discredit the evidence presented in it.

Below, we summarize the key points of the report.

What Facts Provoked the Georgian Dream?

  1. The Sharp Increase in Imports of Iranian Oil and Petrochemical Products to Georgia

In recent years, imports of Iranian oil and petrochemical products have grown dramatically:

  • In 2020, imports from Iran totaled USD 45 million; by 2024, this figure had nearly quintupled, reaching USD 285 million.
  • In 2021 alone, imports of oil and petroleum products increased by 154% compared to 2020, amounting to 3,413 tons.

It is well known that petrochemical exports constitute one of the Iranian regime’s main sources of revenue. Therefore, Georgia’s growing imports of these products amount to indirect financial support for Tehran.

  1. The U.S. Government’s Explicit Warning on Purchasing Iranian Petrochemical Products

On May 1, U.S. President Donald J. Trump issued a warning on the social platform Truth Social, stating:

“Alert: All purchases of Iranian Oil or Petrochemical products must stop, NOW! Any country or person who buys ANY AMOUNT of OIL or PETROCHEMICALS from Iran will be subject to, immediately, Secondary Sanctions. They will not be allowed to do business with the United States of America in any way, shape, or form.”

Clearly, Georgian Dream attempts to downplay or hide relevant facts that show its collaborative stance toward a regime openly hostile to the United States. 

  1. Guidance Published on Iranian Websites on How to Bypass Sanctions Using Georgia

Numerous Iranian online platforms openly discuss fraudulent schemes that allow Iranian businesses to circumvent international sanctions. According to these sources, Georgia offers a convenient route for Tehran to access Russian, Chinese, and even Western markets.

Examples from Iranian sources include:

  • “A favorable environment has been created for Iranian traders: they can bring their products into Georgia and, by repackaging them under Georgian labels, export them to the EU or the U.S. without paying customs tariffs and at competitive prices.”
  • “Iran can indeed circumvent U.S. restrictions and access global markets for various products by trading through Georgia. One of Georgia’s key advantages is its extensive network of trade agreements, particularly with Europe.”

Iranian websites further encourage business owners to take advantage of Georgia’s business environment:

  • The Iranian company Arad Branding published an article advising:
    “If you plan to trade with Georgia, we recommend first registering a company there, especially near ports. This significantly reduces costs and makes imports and exports smoother.”

Indeed, between 2013 and 2024, Iranian citizens registered nearly 9,300 companies in Georgia, illustrating the extent to which the Iranian regime exploits Georgia as a platform for its business operations.

Once again, we emphasize that this report is based exclusively on open sources and statistical data published by the National Statistics Office of Georgia. As before, Georgian Dream responds to factual, evidence-based criticism with its habitual tactic: launching disinformation campaigns and dismissing publicly available information as “fake news.”

Full report

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Tinatin Khidasheli’s Talk at the University of Tokyo

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Civic IDEA is pleased to share that on 1 December, our Chair and former Minister of Defence of Georgia, Tinatin Khidasheli, delivered a presentation at a conference hosted by the Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology (RCAST) at the University of Tokyo. 

Her talk, “Frontlines of Influence: Russia, China, and the Hybrid Contest over Georgia,” focused on Georgia’s current geopolitical challenges. Ms. Khidasheli outlined how authoritarian actors – Russia and China – are expanding their political and economic influence in Georgia and shaping developments in the region. She also addressed key issues related to strategic infrastructure, including ongoing debates around the Anaklia deep-sea port.

In the event brief, Akira Igata of the University of Tokyo’s RCAST highlighted how Georgia has become a test ground for hybrid pressure from Russia and China  –  from interference in democratic processes to economic influence and growing pressure on civil society. 

In her lecture, Tinatin Khidasheli discussed these challenges, including China’s planned investments in Georgia such as the Anaklia deep-sea port, and the broader security implications for the region. She also noted that shrinking civic space in Georgia has made civil society leaders frequent targets of disinformation, citing a recent government-backed TV “documentary” that falsely portrayed her as a “Taiwanese agent.” These issues, as Igata emphasized, are not limited to Georgia; authoritarian disinformation campaigns now have global consequences.

The event was attended by University of Tokyo students, members of the academic community, and media representatives. The session concluded with an interactive Q&A and discussion, allowing participants to engage directly with the topics raised during the presentation.

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“Small States in Turbulent Regions” – Tinatin Khidasheli’s Talk

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“Small States in Turbulent Regions: Lessons from Georgia’s Current Political Challenges” – Tinatin Khidasheli’s Talk 

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02/Dec/2025  │  Hitotsubashi University, Japan 

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As part of the series of meetings organized by The Institute for Global Governance Research (GGR) – established in April 2020 as a university-wide organization focusing on global law and global governance research – students of Hitotsubashi University will meet  Tinatin Khidasheli, Chairperson of Civic IDEA . The discussion will focus on the geopolitical situation in Georgia and the South Caucasus, as well as the challenges posed by rising authoritarian powers in the region.

“Tinatin Khidasheli heads the Georgian research and analytic organization Civic IDEA, fighting authoritarian influence in Georgia, confronting Russian propaganda, and advocating for the country’s defense and security policy. She is the author of the first Georgian-language book on Hybrid Warfare and has taught Hybrid Warfare and Defense Policy at several universities. Throughout her career, she has held various high-ranking public positions, including Georgia’s first female Minister of Defense, and was the founder/chairperson of the Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association, which remains one of the largest human rights advocacy groups in Georgia.” – writes The Institute for Global Governance Research

Registration

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Georgia and China Deepen Transport Cooperation

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Georgia is deepening its relations with China, especially in transport, trade, and infrastructure. Economy Minister Mariam Kvrivishvili met with China’s Vice Minister of Transport, Li Yan, in London to discuss expanding cooperation, while also discussing maritime links and transport infrastructure. The focus was the Middle Corridor, which is the Trans-Caspian route connecting China and Europe, where Georgia plays a central transit role.

Following Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s visit to China earlier this month, both countries agreed to launch direct flights from Tbilisi to Beijing, with a potential Tbilisi-Shanghai route under discussion. Kvrivishvili stated that these measures would strengthen trade, economic ties, and people-to-people links. Georgia also emphasised the value of Chinese expertise in maritime development.

Cargo transit along the Middle Corridor has surged dramatically. Over the past three years, shipments increased by nearly 90%, and total cargo in 2024 reached 4.5 million tons, which is expected to grow to 5.2 million tons in 2025. Investments in the Anaklia deep-water port and the Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway aim to expand to 10 million tons annually by 2027.

However, experts warn that China’s rapid involvement is less about Georgia’s benefit and more about securing its own strategic foothold. Chinese companies are dominating Georgia’s infrastructure projects, such as roads and critical infrastructure. These investments often carry hidden costs of debt dependency, opaque agreements, which imply political leverage favoring Beijing.

Analysts argue that while Georgia benefits from short-term economic gains and growing cargo volumes, the long-term strategic costs are high. Loss of autonomy, as in economic dependency, is an exposure to political leverage by Beijing. In this context, critics argue that Georgia risks becoming a pawn in China’s Belt and Road Initiative, which is primarily used to advance Beijing’s geopolitical ambitions. Georgia’s growing dependence on Chinese investment, technology, and trade channels underscores the need for careful scrutiny and safeguards to ensure that national interests are not subordinated to foreign strategic priorities.

Author: Mariam Sanadze

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University of Tokyo Hosts Keynote Address by Tinatin Khidasheli on Russia, China, and the Geopolitics of Georgia

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Civic Idea is pleased to announce that our Chair, former Minister of Defence of Georgia Tinatin Khidasheli, will deliver the keynote address at a public symposium hosted by the Economic Security Intelligence Lab (ESIL) at the Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology (RCAST), The University of Tokyo.

Event Title: Frontlines of Influence: Russia, China, and the Hybrid Contest over Georgia

The symposium will examine the evolving geopolitical pressures on Georgia, including Russia’s role in democratic backsliding, China’s expanding economic leverage, and the broader hybrid tactics reshaping the strategic environment in the South Caucasus. Ms. Khidasheli will also discuss key infrastructure and connectivity debates – such as the Anaklia deep-sea port – and consider avenues for enhanced cooperation with partners, including Japan;

“In recent years, Georgia has stood at a geopolitical crossroads, caught between its aspirations for deeper integration with Europe and the expanding influence of authoritarian networks centered in Moscow and Beijing. Although a small country in the Caucasus, Georgia reflects many of the world’s most urgent strategic challenges: Russian elite capture encouraging democratic backsliding, China’s economic engagement creating new dependencies and opaque financial flows, and the rapid erosion of civic space that undermines civil society and opposition voices. 

The symposium will feature a keynote address by Tinatin Khidasheli, former Georgian Minister of Defence and current head of the Georgian think tank Civic Idea. She will outline the current domestic situation and Russia’s role in shaping political dynamics inside Georgia. Her remarks will also explore how Georgia has become a test site for hybrid warfare, with clear parallels to gray zone tactics in the South China Sea and around Taiwan. Ms. Khidasheli will discuss the promised investments from China in Georgia such as the strategically critical port of Anaklia that faces the Black Seas, the regional connectivity logic shaping the Caucasus, and the potential role that Japan can play in countering China’s rise in countries facing similar pressures. These issues are not limited to Georgia. Disinformation campaigns originating from authoritarian actors have had international consequences, including direct implications for Japan. 

As civic space has contracted within Georgia, Ms. Khidasheli has herself become a target of mass disinformation. One prominent example is an absurd television “documentary” that falsely portrayed her as a “Taiwanese agent” and even claimed that the Japanese government bribed her to carry out its agenda.”

Panel contributions will be provided by Dr. Aya Adachi (German Council on Foreign Relations) and Maya Sobchuk (ESIL, University of Tokyo). The discussion will be moderated by Akira Igata.

Event Details

Date: December 1, 2025
 Time: 10:00–11:30 (Registration from 9:30)
 Language: English
 Venue: ENEOS Hall, Building #3-S, Komaba II Campus, RCAST, The University of Tokyo

Registration

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Another Tragedy on a Georgian Road Project Built by a Chinese Company

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On November 23, another tragedy happened on the Kvesheti-Kobi construction section. Near the village of Tskere, during the construction of a retaining wall, a large amount of earth collapsed due to a landslide and trapped five workers of the construction company beneath it. They were citizens of Turkmenistan and China. Four of them died on the spot, and one of them was taken to a hospital. According to the Roads Department, “Emergency Situations Management Service is mobilized at the scene of the incident, and an investigation has already begun”.

The project is carried out by the Chinese companies – China Railway Tunnel Group Co and China Railway 23rd Bureau Group Co. In the government-issued statement, the requirement for stricter safety standards for construction companies is discussed.

Unfortunately, the tragedy that occurred on Kvesheti-Kobi road is just another proof of this grave trend, about which the Civic IDEA has been reporting on for the past few years, issuing recommendations and warnings to both the government and the population. 

Since 2017, reports issued by various international organizations indicated that the above-mentioned contractors had only formally complied with safety rules, while real monitoring was not carried out. This was proven in Georgia back in 2022, when an explosion in a CRTG tunnel led to the death of one person due to the accumulation of CO₂.

The company has a problematic reputation not only in Georgia but around the world as well. CRTG and its parent company, CRCC, are blacklisted by the US Department of Defense. In addition, in 2019, the World Bank issued a 20-month package of sanctions against these companies due to their fraudulent practices, including falsifying tender documents and violating workers’ labor rights.

In response to warning reports, “Civic IDEA” has been accused of acting against the interests of the country. The tragedy that occurred in Kobi raises the question of whose interests were served by those people who, for years, have been ignoring our recommendations as well as those issued by other international and non-governmental organizations working on these issues.

Given the high technical and environmental risks and warnings, strict monitoring of contractors was clearly necessary. However, this case is yet another tragic proof that all warnings were ignored by state agencies, and moreover, they continue to unconditionally support these companies. It is worth asking what interests were behind these deals that the Georgian Dream regime made with internationally sanctioned Chinese companies with a bad reputation.

 

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Li Urges China and Germany to Deepen Dialogue and Resolve Bilateral Issues

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Chinese Premier Li Qiang has called on China and Germany to deepen their dialogue and resolve bilateral concerns, underlining Beijing’s commitment to strengthening the political and economic foundations of the relationship. Speaking at a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, Li emphasized the need for “joint efforts to strengthen dialogue and communication, and properly handle their respective concerns.”

Li recalled that since diplomatic ties were established 53 years ago, China and Germany have developed into important economic and trade partners, and that sustained cooperation has advanced the development of both nations. He stressed that mutual respect and win-win cooperation must remain the guiding principles of their bilateral relations. A foundation upon which a stable, sustainable, and high-quality all-around strategic partnership can be built, in his view.

In his remarks, Li expressed Beijing’s willingness to strengthen strategic communication with Berlin, underscoring the importance of respecting each other’s “core interests and major concerns.” He called on Germany to pursue a more rational and pragmatic China policy, urging Berlin to move beyond political interference and pressure and instead focus on areas of shared benefit.

Looking ahead, Li argued that the two sides should expand pragmatic cooperation across a broad spectrum of sectors. He identified key emerging fields, such as new energy, biomedicine, and hydrogen energy technology.

Li also pointed to the broader context of European integration, noting that this year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the European Union. He urged Germany to help shape an EU-China relationship based on a long-term perspective and a more open-minded framework, and suggested Berlin has a role to play in encouraging the EU to regard China not as a challenge, but as a partner.

On the multilateral front, Li said China stands ready to work closely with Germany through global institutions like the United Nations and the G20. He argued that closer cooperation in these forums can advance global governance, uphold multilateralism, defend free trade, and make both countries a “constructive and certain force for promoting peace and development.”

Chancellor Merz responded to Li’s tone, highlighting the long and productive history of economic ties between Germany and China. He welcomed the deeper engagement proposed by Li, noting Berlin’s eagerness to cooperate in forward-looking areas such as science and technology. Merz reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to open markets, to strengthening political, economic, and trade relations with China, and to playing a constructive role in shaping EU-China dialogue.

Li’s appeal to Germany comes at a sensitive moment: the two countries face a complex mix of strategic tension and economic interdependence. Berlin has raised concerns about China’s industrial policies, and German firms have recently fret over restrictions on key Chinese exports. At the same time, both sides recognize the mutual benefits they derive from their close economic ties.

By emphasizing pragmatism, innovation, and multilateral engagement, Li is signaling that China hopes to manage its relationship with Germany not just through trade, but through a long-term, strategic partnership – one that weathers political headwinds and builds cooperation in cutting-edge fields.

Author: Nia Kokhreidze

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China in the South Caucasus and Tajikistan (November 17-23)

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Georgia

Georgian Education Minister Givi Mikanaadze's Visit to China

November 19 

The visit of Givi Mikanaadze, the Minister of Education, Science, and Youth of Georgia, to the People’s Republic of China took place on November 13-19, 2025, where important issues of deepening cooperation and the implementation of joint educational projects were discussed.

It is noteworthy that Mikanadze, at the invitation of the Minister of Education of the People’s Republic of China, participated in the World Chinese Language Conference. The initiative to introduce Chinese language instruction in Georgian schools was also discussed within the framework of the meeting.

Furthermore, within the framework of his working visit to the People’s Republic of China, the Minister of Education, Science, and Youth of Georgia visited the headquarters of Huawei. The company’s Vice President introduced the Minister to the company’s operations, the latest inventions, and innovative educational projects that Huawei offers to institutions in various countries.

Special emphasis was placed on Huawei’s initiative to equip smart classrooms in Georgian schools. The company’s Vice President announced that Huawei will transfer the necessary equipment free of charge for setting up a smart classroom to one of the schools in Tbilisi.

Prior to visiting the Huawei headquarters, Givi Mikanadze also visited the Shenzhen Experimental School and the Polytechnic University, where he attended the ongoing educational process.

An Agreement Among the Railways of Azerbaijan, Georgia and Kazakhstan

November 19 

A meeting of the top officials from the railway administrations of Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Kazakhstan was held in Baku. The main topic of discussion was the forthcoming official entry of the large Chinese state-owned company, China Railway Container Transport Corp. Ltd. (CRCT), into the joint venture Middle Corridor Multimodal Ltd., which was established in October 2023.

Between January and July 2024, 225 block trains departed from China via Azerbaijan, which is nearly twice the figure for the corresponding period last year. All four parties (China, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Georgia) will cooperate to coordinate resources, establish unified tariffs, and expand the corridor’s capacity with the aim of creating a safe, stable, and high-quality alternative transport route for Euro-Asian trade.

Georgia’s State Minister’s Visit to China

November 20

According to information released by the Office of the State Minister for Reconciliation and Civic Equality, Ivanishvili’s State Minister, Tea Akhvlediani, visited the People’s Republic of China at the invitation of the National Ethnic Affairs Commission of China.

During the visit, Akhvlediani met with Chen Ruifeng, Minister of the National Ethnic Affairs Commission of the People’s Republic of China; Bei Chaolu, Chairman of the Ethnic Affairs Committee of the National People’s Congress of China; as well as representatives of Minzu University of China and the National Museum of Ethnic Cultures.

According to the Minister’s Office, the parties discussed possible avenues for developing cooperation.

It is noteworthy that during the visit, Tea Akhvlediani, together with Georgia’s Ambassador to China, Paata Kalandadze, visited Minzu University of China. The Georgian delegation learned about the university’s work, and the university expressed its readiness to establish close relations and cooperation.

Four Workers Die in Incident on Kvesheti–Kobi Road Built by Chinese State Companies

November 23

On 23 November, an incident that occurred during the construction of a retaining wall on the Kvesheti–Kobi road near the village of Tskere claimed the lives of four workers.

Construction works on this section of the road are being carried out by the Chinese companies CRTG and China Railway 23rd Bureau, while project supervision is provided by the Turkish company UBM.

The Kvesheti–Kobi highway project began in 2019 and was scheduled for completion in 2023. The project includes five bridges and five tunnels. Its total cost is 1.240 billion GEL, financed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).

According to a representative of the Roads Department, the specific cause of the incident will be determined after the investigation is completed. The statement also noted that they are demanding stricter compliance with safety standards from the Chinese contractor. However, it is noteworthy that violations in the work of this Chinese company have been recorded since 2018, including labor-related risks identified in 2021.

“Civic IDEA” has published multiple reports in past years regarding the questionable activities and potential risks associated with these Chinese companies. Nevertheless, these recommendations did not receive a response from the relevant state agencies.

Azerbaijan

“China Visitors Summit” Held in Baku

November 17

Organized by the State Tourism Agency of Azerbaijan, the “China Visitors Summit” was held in Baku for the first time, bringing together representatives of the tourism sectors of Azerbaijan and China.

At the event, Fuad Nagiyev, Chairman of the State Tourism Agency of Azerbaijan, noted that cooperation with China in the tourism sector is developing in two directions: implementation of the so-called China Ready concept in Azerbaijan and the expansion of marketing programs in China.

Florian Sengstschmid, Chairman of the Board of the Azerbaijan Tourism Bureau, stated in an interview with Azerbaijan’s state news agency that China is currently the world’s most important outbound tourism market, which significantly affects Azerbaijan as well. In particular, the number of Chinese visitors has been increasing annually.

According to Sengstschmid, the visa-free travel regime between the two countries also positively contributes to the development of tourism. Compared to the previous year, the number of Chinese tourists visiting Azerbaijan increased by 51 percent.

The General Manager of the Chinese company Suzhou China International Travel Service Corporation Ltd, Fei Xin, also made a statement regarding the current dynamics of cooperation in the tourism sector. He noted that Azerbaijan’s share in China’s tourism market is continuously growing, and that there is substantial potential for further cooperation between the countries.

A Doctoral Student of Azerbaijan’s Institute of Botany Participates in a Study Program in China

November 18

Elnara Isgandarli, a doctoral student at the Institute of Botany, participated in an international training program in the Chinese city of Ningbo.

Specialists in biomedicine, biochemical research, pharmaceutical innovation, and traditional Chinese medicine conducted the program. Sessions also covered the use of artificial intelligence in biomedical fields, diagnostics, and drug development.

As part of the program, Elnara Isgandarli discussed prospects for joint research projects with Chinese scientists.

“Azerbaijan Railways” Participates in International Forum in China

November 19

Arif Agaev, Deputy Chairman of “Azerbaijan Railways,” along with an accompanying delegation, visited China. Company representatives took part in the second “China–Europe Express Railway Cooperation Forum.”

Speaking at the forum, Arif Agaev emphasized that for Azerbaijan, China is not only a strategic trade partner but also a reliable ally in logistics and transportation.

Beyond the forum, the “Azerbaijan Railways” delegation held meetings with representatives of Chinese companies COSCO, Huawei, and CCCC. During the meetings, the parties discussed prospects for cooperation, cargo transportation, and digitalization.

Delegation of the Azerbaijan University of Languages Attends a Conference in China

November 20

Shafag Shahmammadov, Vice-Rector of the Azerbaijan University of Languages, and the directors of the Confucius Institute, Rafik Abbasov and Li Jihua, attended the World Chinese Language Conference organized by China’s Ministry of Education.

The conference focused on “Factors Increasing the Accessibility of the Chinese Language: Innovation and Digital Technologies.” Representatives of the Azerbaijan University of Languages participated in a panel addressing Chinese language teaching, the use of artificial intelligence in education, the organization of HSK exams, and issues of intercultural dialogue.

During the visit, the delegation held meetings with leading Chinese universities, including discussions on strengthening cooperation with China’s Huzhou University.

Armenia

Yerevan Municipality Purchases Chinese Trolleybuses

November 21

The Yerevan Municipality has purchased 45 twelve-meter trolleybuses from China, which are expected to arrive in Armenia in the first half of next year. According to the contract, each trolleybus costs 96 million Armenian drams (approximately 25,000 USD). The 12-meter trolleybuses will be able to carry around 85 passengers and will be equipped with folding ramps for wheelchair users.

Tajikistan

Strategic Dialogue Held Between Tajikistan and China in Dushanbe

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan, the first meeting between the Foreign Ministers of China and the Republic of Tajikistan within the framework of the Strategic Dialogue took place in Dushanbe. During the negotiations, the ministers emphasized the importance of the timely implementation of agreements and also highlighted the bilateral treaty signed following recent summits.

The sides reaffirmed the comprehensive high-level strategic partnership between Tajikistan and China. The meeting focused on expanding cooperation in priority areas, including trade, economy, investment, industry, energy, transport, agriculture, the digital economy, innovative technologies and artificial intelligence, ecology and the green economy, security, and other fields.

Within the framework of the Strategic Dialogue, the parties also discussed ways to develop and expand cooperation on bilateral cultural and humanitarian issues. In addition, the ministers exchanged views on key regional and international matters.

China in the South Caucasus and Tajikistan (November 17-23) Read More »

Tensions Rise in China-Japan Diplomatic Relations

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China-Japan relations have become extremely strained since Japan’s new leader, Sanae Takaichi, suggested that a military conflict in the Taiwan Strait might be considered a “survival-threatening situation” for Japan, which would justify the country’s military intervention. This comment became the catalyst for China’s intense reaction, as for Beijing, Japan’s move signifies crossing a “red line.” According to the Chinese ruling party, Takaichi’s statements reflect the “military ambitions” of Japan’s right-wing forces and threaten the balance of power in the region, according to which China is ascending as a superpower. This confrontation also underscores Beijing’s deep-seated concern caused by the increase in defense spending and the intensified military coordination among US allies in Asia.

China’s intense reaction toward Japan, according to analysts, aims to send a warning to the entire system of US allies. Experts note that Beijing is using this confrontation to create a “demonstration effect,” in order to remind other regional actors, including Australia and South Korea, that intervention in the Taiwan issue will lead to severe consequences. Beijing’s message is clear: supporting “Taiwan independence” will cost countries dearly. This is their overt attempt to deter US allies from interfering in China’s internal affairs.

Against this backdrop of tension, Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te openly expressed support for Japan via social media. The President posted photos of himself eating sushi made from Japanese-sourced seafood, which, according to him, highlights the “firm friendship” between Taiwan and Japan. Taiwan’s Foreign Minister called China’s use of economic coercion and military intimidation against other nations “bullying behavior,” and urged Taiwanese citizens to increase their purchases of Japanese goods. In response, Beijing stated that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China and that the actions of President Lai Ching-te’s administration “cannot change this ironclad fact.”

The conflict was also evident at the diplomatic level. China’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that there are no plans for Chinese Premier Li Qiang to meet with the Japanese leader at the G20 summit. Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning strongly demanded that Japan retract its “erroneous remarks,” and emphasized that Japan is obligated to uphold the “one-China principle.” Beijing, as a retaliatory step, postponed the China-Japan-South Korea Culture Ministers’ Meeting because, according to them, Takaichi’s comments undermined the foundation of trilateral cooperation.

Author: Mariam Macharashvili

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China is taking steps against Japan

Newswire, ერთი ახალი ამბავი / /

China and Japan are facing a sharp economic downturn after Tokyo’s Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, made recent comments about a possible Chinese attack on Taiwan. The remarks were unprecedented for a Japanese leader, which triggered a series of economic and cultural consequences between Japan and China.

The Chinese Commerce Ministry said trade cooperation between the two countries had taken a “great” hit, and warned of “necessary measures” if Japan “insists on going down the wrong path”. One of the most vital and immediate pressure points in seafood. Under current circumstances, China’s Foreign Ministry also suggested there would be “no market” for Japanese seafood, after Japanese media outlets NHK and Kyodo reported about a potential import suspension from Beijing. Tokyo has not received an official note, but the foreign ministry’s tone “raised the prospect” of an imminent ban.

The potential suspension would follow China’s restrictions imposed in 2023 over the release of treated Fukushima wastewater. Imports resumed earlier this year. Before the 2023 ban, China (including Hong Kong) accounted for more than a fifth of Japan’s seafood export market.

Tokyo is trying to avoid escalation and has taken diplomatic steps. Japan reiterated that its One China policy remains unchanged and sent senior envoys to Beijing for talks. According to previous reports, Chinese Premier Li Qiang has no plans to meet Takaichi during the G20 summit in South Africa. According to NHK, Japanese officials protested against inflammatory social media posts by a Chinese diplomat and requested corrective action.

Analysts say that China’s retaliatory steps against specific sectors such as fisheries, tourism, and entertainment will not have a political impact on Tokyo. As one expert at Hosei University told CNN, dialogue may be the only path Japan can maintain “while waiting for an opportunity for China to de-escalate.”

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