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.

 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

Newswire / /

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.

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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.

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China in the South Caucasus and Kyrgyzstan (13-19 july)

Weekly news / /
Georgia

 

Direct scheduled flights launched between Tbilisi and Shanghai

15 July

On 15 July, China Eastern Airlines operated the first direct scheduled service on the Shanghai-Tbilisi-Shanghai route. Flight MU285 landed at Tbilisi International Airport from Shanghai Pudong International Airport at around 7 p.m. local time, carrying 274 passengers.

China Eastern Airlines will operate the route three times a week – on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays – using wide-body Airbus A330 aircraft. It is the third Chinese carrier to launch scheduled passenger services between Georgia and China, joining China Southern Airlines and Air China.

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, Economy Minister Mariam Kvrivishvili, Chinese Ambassador Zhou Qian and China Eastern Airlines Vice President He Xiaozun attended the launch ceremony. Georgian and Chinese officials described the new route as an opportunity to boost tourism, business ties and investment.

 

Georgia takes part in World AI Conference in Shanghai

18 July

A Georgian delegation led by Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Mariam Kvrivishvili attended the World Artificial Intelligence Conference and the High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance in Shanghai.

Addressing the high-level meeting on 18 July, Kvrivishvili said Georgia was developing a national artificial intelligence strategy and planned to establish the country’s first AI research centre at the Kutaisi Technology Hub. The centre is expected to bring together researchers, start-ups and international technology companies.

She said a joint working group on artificial intelligence had been established under a memorandum between Georgia’s Economy Ministry and China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC). Kvrivishvili also highlighted plans for a Black Sea submarine fibre-optic cable and data centres, initiatives aimed at positioning Georgia as a regional digital hub.

Azerbaijan

Aliyev calls for expanded military-technical cooperation with China

13 July

The Fourth Shusha Global Media Forum was held on 13-14 July in Shusha, in Azerbaijan’s Karabakh region. President Ilham Aliyev attended the opening and, responding to participants’ questions, discussed expanding military-technical and economic cooperation with China.

Aliyev said the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership with China had opened a “new chapter” in bilateral relations. He said cooperation extended beyond infrastructure, transport and energy to the military and military-technical sectors. The president also highlighted Chinese companies’ participation in infrastructure projects, rising freight volumes along the Middle Corridor and plans to establish a solar-panel plant.

The Shusha Global Media Forum has been held annually since 2023. This year’s event brought together around 160 media representatives, experts and officials from 53 countries.

 

Azerbaijan’s Academy of Sciences signs memorandum with Hebei organisation

13 July

On 13 July, the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences and the Hebei Association for International Exchange of Personnel signed a memorandum of cooperation. The document provides for stronger scientific and professional ties, exchanges of researchers and specialists, and the implementation of joint projects.

Under the memorandum, the parties plan to share expertise and expand cooperation in science, education and innovation. The agreement is expected to support direct links between Azerbaijani and Chinese scientific institutions.

 

President of Azerbaijan’s Academy of Sciences attends international conference in China

13 July

On 13 July, Isa Habibbeyli, president of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, attended an international conference in Xiong’an, China. Participants discussed deepening international scientific cooperation, developing innovative projects and sharing expertise among specialists from different countries.

The conference aimed to strengthen ties between scientific institutions and create new opportunities for joint initiatives. More than 400 scientists, experts and representatives of various organisations from 30 countries attended the event.

 

Azerbaijan represented at literature congress in Beijing

15 July

On 15 July, Agshin Aliyev, head of the Azerbaijani Language Department at Beijing Foreign Studies University, took part in the China Literature Congress in Beijing.

He presented a paper on the development of Azerbaijani-Chinese literary relations in the context of the Silk Road and the representation of Chinese motifs in Azerbaijani literature.

More than 100 researchers from China and other countries attended the event. Discussions focused on literary ties, intercultural dialogue and the study of national literary traditions.

 

 

 

Azerbaijan and UnionPay discuss QR payment integration

17 July

Representatives of the Central Bank of Azerbaijan and China’s UnionPay International met on 17 July to discuss the development of QR code-based payments and further integration of payment systems in Azerbaijan.

The parties reviewed projects under a memorandum signed in January 2026 and outlined future areas of cooperation. Alongside the issuance and servicing of bank cards, the agreement covers interoperability between QR payment systems, cross-border money transfers and the introduction of tokenisation technologies.

Discussions focused on expanding access to digital payments and linking Azerbaijan’s payment infrastructure with international systems.

 

China donates X-ray equipment to Azerbaijan for demining operations

17 July

China donated two X-ray devices to Azerbaijan’s Mine Action Agency, ANAMA. The agency said the equipment would be used to detect and neutralise explosive devices in enclosed spaces and buildings.

The handover followed a visit to China by ANAMA representatives, who tested the equipment and discussed its technical capabilities with Chinese specialists. The agency said the new equipment would improve the safety and efficiency of demining operations.

Armenia

Armenian delegation studies use of AI in China’s customs system

17 July

On 17 July, a delegation from Armenia’s State Revenue Committee took part in a training programme in Shanghai focused on introducing and managing artificial intelligence in Armenia’s customs system.

The delegation examined the use of artificial intelligence, automated inspections and “smart” cameras in Chinese customs operations. It included representatives of the State Revenue Committee and two ministries.

The parties also discussed a draft agreement to simplify customs procedures for trusted importers and exporters in Armenia and China. The training programme was funded by the Chinese government and organised by China Customs and Shanghai Customs University.

 

Armenian Investigative Committee delegation visits China’s Hunan province

17 July

On 17 July, a delegation from Armenia’s Investigative Committee, led by Deputy Chairman Armen Gevorgyan, paid a working visit to China’s Hunan province. Armenian officials met Wang You, Hunan’s vice-governor and head of the provincial Department of Public Security.

The two sides discussed deepening cooperation between law-enforcement agencies, sharing professional expertise and coordinating on legal matters. The delegation also included officials responsible for international cooperation and organisational affairs at the Investigative Committee.

Kyrgyzstan

 

Fifth volume of Xi Jinping’s book on governance launched in Bishkek

13 July

An event was held in Bishkek on 13 July to present the fifth volume of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s book The Governance of China. Participants discussed China’s development vision and opportunities for Kyrgyzstan and China to exchange experience in public administration.

The event was attended by Kyrgyz State Secretary Arslan Koichiev, former president Roza Otunbayeva, and representatives of the diplomatic corps, media and academia.

Participants also discussed how greater familiarity with China’s governance and development experience could help broaden intellectual and public ties between Kyrgyzstan and China.

 

 

 

Kyrgyzstan presents investment opportunities in China

16 July

At the international trade and economic conference “Foshan Quality Products – Connecting with Central Asia” in Foshan on 16 July, Kyrgyz representatives presented the country’s investment and export opportunities.

The event focused on strengthening economic links between Chinese businesses and Central Asian countries. Participants discussed expanding trade cooperation, launching new investment projects and establishing direct partnerships between companies.

The Kyrgyz side highlighted the country’s advantageous geographical location, investment climate and prospects for exporting local products to the Chinese market. The conference also served to promote Foshan-made goods in Central Asian markets and establish business links with regional companies.

 

Kyrgyzstan and China agree to advance major infrastructure projects

16 July

Deputy Chairman of Kyrgyzstan’s Cabinet of Ministers Erlist Akunbekov met Chen Xiaodong, head of the China International Development Cooperation Agency.

The two sides discussed 11 major projects covering agriculture, upgrades to healthcare facilities, the modernisation of transport and customs infrastructure, the supply of specialised equipment and environmental protection.

Talks also covered the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, the Bedel border crossing and the Barskoon-Bedel highway. The parties agreed to review project-related issues in greater detail at a meeting of the intergovernmental commission.

 

Air China launches direct Beijing-Bishkek flights

17 July

Air China operated its first direct flight from Beijing to Bishkek’s Manas International Airport on 17 July. It is the airline’s first non-stop route between the Chinese and Kyrgyz capitals.

Flights will operate three times a week, on Mondays, Fridays and Sundays, using Airbus A321 aircraft. Chinese Ambassador Liu Jiangping described the new route as an important step towards strengthening economic, trade and people-to-people ties between the two countries.

 

 

Chinese delegation takes part in SCO cultural events at Issyk-Kul

19 July

Cultural events involving member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation were held on 18-19 July at the Rukh Ordo Cultural Centre in Cholpon-Ata. The programme featured concerts and artistic performances by delegations from Kyrgyzstan, China and other SCO member states.

Participating countries presented national music and dance performances. The programme aimed to strengthen cultural ties among SCO member states and bring their societies closer together. The events were held as part of Kyrgyzstan’s SCO chairmanship and were linked to a meeting of culture ministers from the organisation’s member states.



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Beijing Calls Trump’s Allegations a “Complete Fabrication”

Newswire / /

China has rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim that Beijing sought to interfere in the 2020 U.S. presidential election, calling it a “complete fabrication”.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said at a July 17 briefing that the allegation was part of a campaign directed against China. According to him, Beijing has never interfered in U.S. elections and has had no interest in doing so.

Trump made the allegation a day earlier during an address to the nation from the White House. He claimed that China had illegally obtained the data of approximately 220 million American voters. The U.S. president described the incident as an unprecedented threat to election security and also accused intelligence officials of concealing information.

According to CBS News, a significant portion of U.S. voter registration data is publicly or commercially available. Access to such information, therefore, does not in itself provide the ability to influence election results.

A 2021 assessment by the U.S. intelligence community found no evidence that any foreign actor had attempted to alter the technical process of the 2020 election. The same document stated that China was likely continuing to collect information on American voters, public opinion, political parties, candidates and their staff.

The dispute has resurfaced against the backdrop of relative stability in U.S.-China relations. Trade tensions between the two sides, which escalated in 2025, temporarily eased after Trump met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing in May 2026.

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