Civicidea

Georgian Dream Ministers Met China’s “Internet Censor”

New / /

On April 21, high-level meetings were held with Zhuang Rongwen, director of China’s Cyberspace Administration. The Minister of Justice and the Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development met Rongwen.

According to information published by the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, the meeting with Rongwen focused on the strategic partnership between the two countries and the development of economic ties. According to the Ministry’s press release, the Georgian side highlighted its goal of strengthening Georgia’s role as a digital transit hub, connecting Asia and Europe as much as possible.

According to the published information, during the meeting, the Georgian side emphasized the “development of large-scale data centers,” and the sides “discussed cooperation opportunities in this direction.” Notably, the discussion also covered cooperation in Artificial Intelligence. Recently, cooperation in artificial intelligence has been one of the key topics of discussion between Chinese and Georgian authorities. In November 2025, within the framework of an official visit to China, Georgia’s Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Development and Reform Commission of China on cooperation in the field of Artificial Intelligence.

On April 21, the director of China’s Cyberspace Administration also met the Minister of Justice of Georgia, Paata Salia. It was noted that strengthening relations with the Cyberspace Administration of China will “deepen the two countries’ potential in the fields of cybersecurity and innovation.” According to the Ministry’s press release, the sides discussed the use of artificial intelligence, the implementation of mobile applications, and digital identity projects.

The visit of Zhuang Rongwen demonstrates that official Tbilisi seeks to develop cooperation with Beijing in the field of digital policy. However, the institution with which representatives of Georgian ministries met is an instrument of the Chinese Communist Party’s system of state control and censorship.

 

The Cyberspace Administration of China – “Internet Censor”

The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) was established in 2011 as a subordinate office of the State Council Information Office. The CAC is responsible for cybersecurity and regulating internet content. Its functions include the administration, coordination, and supervision of online content. Additionally, it approves and licenses online news reporting, including for foreign institutions.

According to Freedom House, the Chinese government maintains one of the most sophisticated state censorship systems in the world. The CAC reports to the Central Cyberspace Affairs Commission of the Chinese Communist Party, a party body directly controlled by Xi Jinping.

Zhuang Rongwen was appointed as CAC director in 2018. He has been associated with Xi Jinping since the early years of his career. From 1995 to 2000, while Xi Jinping served as Deputy Party Chief of Fujian, Rongwen held senior posts in the provincial economic planning committee. In 2015, Rongwen joined the CAC, and later that year, he was appointed Vice Minister of the Chinese Communist Party’s Propaganda Department. Since 2018, in parallel with his role as CAC director, he has served as Deputy Director of the Central Propaganda Department.

Thus, Zhuang Rongwen, with whom ministers of Ivanishvili’s government met, is linked to China’s system of political control and party propaganda. At the same time, the Cyberspace Administration of China—an institution with which Georgia’s Ministers of Justice, Economy, and Sustainable Development have expressed willingness to cooperate—is responsible for overseeing the country’s internet and digital space. High-level meetings with Zhuang Rongwen suggest that intensified relations with China may serve the narrow political interests of the ruling party. Strengthened cooperation with the Chinese Communist Party increases the risk of introducing authoritarian-style governance practices in Georgia.

Georgian Dream Ministers Met China’s “Internet Censor” Read More »

Kvrivishvili’s Visit to China

New / /

Georgia’s Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, Mariam Kvrivishvili, paid an official visit to China on April 21-25. Meetings held in Beijing focused on expanding Georgia-China economic cooperation.

As part of the visit, Kvrivishvili met China’s Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao on April 22. The two sides signed a protocol amending the Georgia-China Free Trade Agreement, aimed at adapting the deal to the modern trade environment, clarifying existing areas of cooperation, and adding new directions.

According to China’s Ministry of Commerce, Kvrivishvili described cooperation with China as a priority for the Georgian government and expressed interest in expanding ties in agriculture, oil and gas development, automobile manufacturing, port infrastructure, and tourism.

One of the key topics of the visit was transport and logistics infrastructure. On April 23, Kvrivishvili met Zhou Haibin, deputy chairman of China’s National Development and Reform Commission. According to Georgia’s Economy Ministry, the parties agreed to establish a dialogue mechanism that would help attract Chinese investment to Georgia, particularly in the transport and logistics sectors.

During the same meeting, the sides discussed the Middle Corridor and Georgia’s role as a transit country connecting China and Europe. In this context, the Anaklia port was identified as a strategic project of importance not only for Georgia-China cooperation, but also for partner countries along the Middle Corridor.

The Anaklia port issue was also addressed by Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze ahead of the visit. Responding to a journalist’s question about amendments to the free trade agreement between Georgia and China, he said:

“All issues will be discussed, including the Anaklia issue. Naturally, this is also one of the goals of this visit. Negotiations are continuing”.

The Anaklia deep-sea port is considered one of Georgia’s most important strategic and infrastructure projects. In 2024, a Chinese-Singaporean consortium submitted the final proposal in the process of selecting a private partner for the project, although no official update on an agreement has been released so far.

A practical outcome of the visit emerged in the aviation sector. Following Kvrivishvili’s meeting with representatives of China Eastern Airlines, the airline will launch direct Shanghai-Tbilisi-Shanghai flights three times a week starting July 15.

At the same time, the Georgian delegation discussed with China Southern Airlines the possibility of launching direct flights from Beijing to Tbilisi and from other Chinese cities to Georgia. The meetings also focused on cargo transportation, including the development of a regional cargo hub within the framework of the Middle Corridor and possible access for China Southern Cargo to Georgia’s transport infrastructure.

Alongside aviation, energy issues were also discussed during the visit. In Beijing, Kvrivishvili met Wang Yutao, chairman of China ZhenHua Oil, where the parties discussed opportunities for oil and gas exploration in Georgia. The Chinese side expressed interest in investing in Georgia’s energy sector.

Kvrivishvili also met Chen Huanlong, chairman of Geo-Jade Petroleum Corporation. According to Georgia’s Economy Ministry, the Georgian side presented the country’s investment environment to the company, while the Chinese side expressed interest in the oil and gas sector.

In the technology and digital economy sectors, Kvrivishvili met a representative of Xiaomi Corporation and offered the company the opportunity to establish a CKD production facility in Georgia and use the country as a regional logistics platform.

Kvrivishvili also met Zhuang Rongwen, director of the Cyberspace Administration of China. The sides discussed Georgia’s role as a digital transit hub connecting Asia and Europe, the development of data centers, and opportunities for the use of artificial intelligence.

The planned direct flights and ongoing negotiations in the energy and technology sectors are aimed at deepening economic cooperation with China. The next stage of the process will depend on the practical implementation of the initiatives discussed by the two sides.

Kvrivishvili’s Visit to China Read More »

China Steps Up Diplomatic Engagement Amid Iran Crisis

Newswire, ერთი ახალი ამბავი / /

Amid the ongoing Iran crisis, China is intensifying its diplomatic activity, stating that it will continue to support de-escalation and promote negotiations. According to Beijing, the immediate priority is to prevent further escalation in the region and preserve space for dialogue.

This position was reaffirmed during an April 15 briefing, in which Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun noted that China welcomes all efforts to end the conflict.

Within this framework, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that during a meeting on April 14 with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of peace in the Middle East and outlined four key principles for maintaining stability: peaceful coexistence, respect for national sovereignty, adherence to international law, and a balance between development and security.

According to The Wall Street Journal, on April 15, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a phone call with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, during which they discussed the regional situation and the progress of Iran-U.S. negotiations. Wang Yi described the situation as being at a “critical stage between war and peace” and noted that a “window of opportunity for peace is opening”. He also stressed China’s support for a ceasefire, continued negotiations, the protection of Iran’s sovereignty, and ensuring safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

Amid the crisis, China continues its diplomatic engagement through both direct communication and coordination with international partners. Notably, on March 31, China and Pakistan introduced a joint five-point initiative calling for an immediate ceasefire, the launch of peace talks, and respect for the sovereignty of Iran and Gulf states.

China is acting with particular caution in this process: on the one hand, it seeks to maintain communication channels with Iran, while on the other, it avoids escalating tensions with Washington.

Reuters reports that Wang Yi has held about 30 phone calls and meetings on ceasefire efforts, while China’s special envoy has conducted diplomatic consultations in several Gulf and Arab capitals. The agency also notes that Beijing’s increased activity coincides with statements by Donald Trump about a possible meeting with Xi Jinping in May. However, China’s Foreign Ministry has only confirmed that communication between the sides on this issue is ongoing.

Author: Mariam Simsive

China Steps Up Diplomatic Engagement Amid Iran Crisis Read More »

Sánchez and Xi Jinping Agree to Deepen Ties

Newswire, ერთი ახალი ამბავი / /

On April 14 in Beijing, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez met with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The two sides discussed strengthening cooperation and the strategic importance of bilateral relations.

China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Xi Jinping spoke about enhancing communication between the two countries and expanding cooperation. He said the priority areas include trade, new energy, the smart economy, culture, education, research, and sports. Beijing also noted that China is ready to work with Spain to uphold multilateralism and the international order based on the United Nations.

The Spanish government reported that 19 agreements were signed during the visit. The documents cover economic, cultural, and scientific-technological cooperation. Several protocols were also signed to expand Spanish products’ access to the Chinese market. The areas of cooperation also include transport infrastructure, biodiversity, and university research.

At the same time, Madrid used the visit to raise the issue of balancing trade relations with China. According to the government, Madrid wants not only close, but also healthier and more balanced economic relations with Beijing.

The prime minister said that agreements already reached had helped boost Spanish exports, while the new package is expected to further expand access to the Chinese market and encourage investment. Sánchez also called on Chinese investors to pursue projects in Spain that would create local jobs, facilitate knowledge transfer, and strengthen the local economy.

Pedro Sánchez’s April 11-15 visit to China took place at a time when a number of Western countries, despite disagreements in the areas of security and trade, are seeking to rebalance their relations with Beijing. This process has become particularly visible amid growing dissatisfaction among Western partners with the policies of U.S. President Donald Trump, prompting some countries to diversify their foreign economic ties.

Author: Mariam Simsive

Sánchez and Xi Jinping Agree to Deepen Ties Read More »

FCC Prepares New Restrictions on Chinese Telecom Companies

Newswire, ერთი ახალი ამბავი / /

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is planning to tighten regulatory controls on Chinese telecommunications companies.

The agency may restrict the operations of China Mobile, China Telecom, and China Unicom in relation to data centers and internet exchange points in the United States, while also strengthening oversight of their interconnection with American networks. An initial vote on the matter is scheduled for April 30.

According to the FCC’s preliminary assessment, interconnection with companies included on its official list poses risks to national security. The Commission’s document notes that such entities may have the capacity to access and manipulate data or to manage communications channels in a potentially improper manner. For this reason, the proposed restrictions are being considered not only for telecommunications services, but also for data centers and other critical infrastructure nodes.

The new initiative forms part of Washington’s broader policy toward Chinese telecommunications firms. In 2019, the FCC denied China Mobile authorization to provide telecommunications services in the United States, and in subsequent years revoked the authorizations previously granted to China Unicom and China Telecom Americas. In April 2024, the Commission also ordered the American subsidiaries of these operators to discontinue their fixed and mobile broadband internet services.

The Chinese Embassy in Washington criticized the FCC’s initiative, stating that the United States justifies the imposition of restrictions on Chinese companies under the pretext of protecting national interests and state security. According to Beijing’s assessment, however, Washington applies the concept of national security in practice with excessively broad scope, and this approach ultimately serves to impose additional constraints on the activities of Chinese businesses.

Author: Mariam Simsive

FCC Prepares New Restrictions on Chinese Telecom Companies Read More »

From Promise to Disparity: Two Years of Georgia-China Strategic Relations

Research / /

Civic IDEA is pleased to share its latest policy paper:

“From Promise to Disparity: Two Years of Georgia–China Strategic Relations”

The paper assesses the development of Georgia–China relations since the signing of the Strategic Partnership in July 2023 and evaluates whether the promised benefits have materialized in practice.

Our findings show that despite growing political engagement and pro-Chinese rhetoric from the Georgian Dream government, the partnership has produced limited tangible benefits for Georgia. Instead, bilateral relations increasingly reflect structural asymmetry across political, economic, and educational domains.

The paper examines:

  • Political relations and growing party-to-party ties with the CCP
  • China’s lack of diplomatic support for Georgia internationally
  • Trade imbalances and declining Georgian exports to China
  • Limited Chinese investment despite strategic partnership rhetoric
  • Expansion of Chinese companies in Georgian infrastructure and energy sectors
  • Chinese soft power and educational influence in Georgia
Read the full paper

From Promise to Disparity: Two Years of Georgia-China Strategic Relations Read More »

Beijing and Pyongyang Agree to Deepen Relations

Newswire, ერთი ახალი ამბავი / /

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will visit North Korea on April 9-10.

According to China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the visit is aimed at enhancing strategic communication, high-level contacts, and cooperation between Beijing and Pyongyang.

As mentioned in the official information, 2026 marks the 65th anniversary of the signing of the China-North Korea Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance, and the two sides are also planning commemorative events.

The same statement notes that the North Korean side once again reaffirmed its support for the “One China” principle and expressed readiness to deepen practical cooperation between the two countries.

The visit comes amid the recent intensification of political and transport links between Beijing and Pyongyang, as passenger train service between the two capitals has resumed, Air China flights have restarted, and Chinese exports to North Korea reached $2.3 billion in 2025, the highest level in the past six years.

According to the agency, this warming in ties was preceded by Kim Jong Un’s visit to Beijing in September 2025 and Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s trip to Pyongyang in October. Reuters notes that this is the first publicly known visit by a Chinese foreign minister to North Korea since 2019.

Author: Mariam Simsive

Beijing and Pyongyang Agree to Deepen Relations Read More »

China Mediates Talks Between Pakistan and Afghanistan

Newswire, ერთი ახალი ამბავი / /

China said on April 3 that talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan are making progress. According to Beijing, the two sides have agreed to continue dialogue, in what is being viewed as an effort to de-escalate tensions that have intensified between the neighboring states since the Taliban returned to power in 2021.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated that both Pakistan and Afghanistan attach importance to the dialogue facilitated by Beijing and are prepared to continue negotiations. According to the Associated Press, the parties resumed working-level consultations several days earlier in Urumqi, in western China.

Media reports indicate that the current round of talks is focused on a possible ceasefire, the reopening of border crossing points, and the restoration of trade and cross-border movement.

At the same time, Pakistan maintains that armed groups operating from Afghan territory continue to carry out attacks on its soil, while Kabul rejects the allegation and says it remains prepared for responsible dialogue.

China, for its part, says it is seeking to preserve communication channels between Pakistan and Afghanistan and to provide a platform for negotiations, as tensions along the border have escalated in recent weeks and resulted in casualties.

However, Beijing has so far released no further details regarding either its mediation efforts or the substance of the ongoing consultations.

Author: Mariam Simsive

China Mediates Talks Between Pakistan and Afghanistan Read More »

European Parliament Delegation Pays Official Visit to China

Newswire, ერთი ახალი ამბავი / /

A nine-member delegation from the European Parliament’s Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection, led by Anna Cavazzini, is visiting Beijing and Shanghai from March 31 to April 2.

This is the European Parliament’s first official visit to China in the past eight years. The main topics of the meetings include products entering the EU market that do not comply with standards, difficulties faced by European companies in accessing the Chinese market, and the regulation of digital trade. Alongside Chinese officials, the delegation is also meeting with representatives of Shein, Alibaba, and Temu.

According to the European Parliament, one of the main concerns is the large volume of small parcels entering the European Union from non-European online platforms, including those based in China.

Parliamentary data show that 4.6 billion small consignments entered the EU market in 2024, 91% of which came from China. The same source states that in 2025, the EU’s Safety Gate system recorded 4,671 dangerous products, of which 2,006 were of Chinese origin.

The visit is taking place against the backdrop of a major customs reform agreed on March 26 by the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament. The reform envisages tighter controls on dangerous and non-compliant goods, the creation of a unified customs data hub, the introduction of a common fee on small parcels, and the establishment of a new EU customs authority.

According to Reuters, Brussels is placing particular emphasis on tightening the responsibilities of online platforms, as product safety and fair competition have become increasingly pressing issues within the European Union.

China’s official side has assessed the visit positively, stating that the arrival of the European Parliament delegation will strengthen bilateral relations, promote cooperation between legislative bodies, and support the stable development of ties between China and the European Union.

Author: Mariam Simsive

European Parliament Delegation Pays Official Visit to China Read More »

Dialogue: Europe in a Reconfiguring World

New / /

On March 23, 2026, a public discussion titled “Europe in a Reconfiguring World” was held at Palau Macaya, bringing together leading voices in international relations and European politics.

The event featured Tinatin Khidasheli – Chair of Civic IDEA, former Minister of Defence of Georgia, and a prominent expert on security and geopolitical dynamics – alongside Jordi Xuclà, President of the Catalan European Movement and an experienced policymaker in European affairs. 

The dialogue focused on the rapidly evolving international environment and the role of Europe within a world shaped by shifting power balances, geopolitical tensions, and growing uncertainty. Particular attention was given to the challenges facing small and medium-sized states, the transformation of global alliances, and the increasing complexity of diplomatic engagement in the 21st century.

The event also served as an opportunity to introduce and reflect on the newly published book “Geopolitics and Diplomacy on the Ground”, co-authored by Tinatin Khidasheli and Jordi Xuclà, among other prominent international figures. The book brings together the practical experiences of policymakers, diplomats, and scholars, offering insights into how geopolitical decisions unfold in real-world contexts, where political strategy meets human complexity.

Dialogue: Europe in a Reconfiguring World Read More »

Scroll to Top