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China announces its five-year economic development plan

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Xi Jinping will present China’s five-year strategy at the fourth plenary session this week. The plan aims to make China the world’s second-largest economy, in the context of competition with the United States. It is notable that the meeting will take place one week before a planned meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in South Korea.

The economy is not the only topic. The plenary may also address personnel changes, since several officials have been removed after the anti-corruption campaign. One main issue is the changes in the Central Military Commission, which has lost some credibility because of Xi Jinping’s campaign. Three of the commission’s six military members were dismissed. During the plenary, about 12 alternate members are expected to fill vacancies in the Central Committee.

According to Neil Thomas, a specialist on China at the Asia Society Policy Institute, each member of the Central Committee knows that their future depends on Xi Jinping’s favor. At the same time, the personnel changes strengthen Xi Jinping’s control over both the party and the military.

Meanwhile, in the United States, government operations have been suspended for the third week because the Senate has not passed a funding bill for federal agencies before the new fiscal year. For China’s leadership, this meeting is especially important. They believe the country is working in a hostile global environment, mainly because of the trade war with the U.S. and limited access to Western technologies. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, China’s economic growth in 2025 fell to its lowest level in the third quarter. Annual growth reached 4.8%, lower than the previous quarter. This decline is attributed to external economic pressure, but domestic political and economic imbalances also play a role.

Next Five-Year Plan and Domestic Economic Challenges

The five-year plan will take effect in 2026, with full details expected only by March next year, after approval by the legislature. Xi Jinping has highlighted the main priorities: updating the economic strategy to shift the focus from production growth to improving product quality. The goal is to build an economy that develops innovative technologies and is less dependent on cheap labor and exports. The plan also considers a transition to green energy and reducing pollution to limit the exploitation of natural resources.

China’s main economic challenge is low consumer demand amid excess production. Youth unemployment is relatively low. Economic regulation is needed, as industrial development is partly slowed by overproduction. International partners are urging China to halt the export of surplus products, as overproduction drives down market prices.

Jakob Gunter, head of the Economics and Industry Program at the MERICS research center in Berlin, is skeptical about China’s economic renewal plan. He says there is little chance that the new five-year plan will differ significantly from the current strategy, because Xi Jinping already controls the system, and large-scale structural changes are not in his interest at this stage. The plan may focus on boosting consumer demand and limiting domestic competition to balance excess production. However, Gunter notes that if changes occur over the long term, we can expect stronger social protection, a review of subsidiarity policies, and a reduction of excess investments. China aims for stability and sustainable development in its economy.

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China’s Crackdown on Underground Churches Sparks Global Condemnation

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Chinese authorities have detained 30 leaders of prominent underground christian churches in a sweeping crackdown on unregistered religious groups, sparking condemnation and strong criticism from the US and international human rights groups. 

The arrest reportedly targets figures linked to the Zion church network, one of China’s largest unregistered “house church’’movements. These communities operate outside the state controlled three-self patriotic movements and have long resisted government supervision to register under government oversight, citing their right to practice faith freely. “Such systematic persecution is not only an affront to the Church of God but also a public challenge to the international community,” Zion Church said in a statement.

Analysts say the detentions are part of the wider effort to tighten control over the religion and suppress the groups that function independently of the communist party. The Chinese Communist Party promotes atheism and tightly controls religion and the government has increasingly targeted Christian congregations, Muslim minorities, and other religious groups it deems “unauthorized” or politically sensitive. Human rights advocates warn that the move can severely damage what remains of China’s religious freedom. 

The United States urged Beijing to immediately release the detained church leaders, describing the action as a serious violation of religious freedom. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement on Sunday that “this crackdown further demonstrates how the CCP exercises hostility towards Christians who reject Party interference in their faith and choose to worship at unregistered house churches”. Former US vice-president Mike Pence and former secretary of state Mike Pompeo have also released statements on X condemning the arrests. 

Some of the British officials including the UK’s envoy of freedom of religion lord David Alton have demanded the immediate release of church leaders. A spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in London said: “We would like to stress that the Chinese citizens enjoy freedom of religious belief in accordance with law. Meanwhile, all religious groups and religious activities must comply with the laws and regulations of China.” They argued that the crackdown violates both the Chinese constitution and international human rights obligations. 

China officially recognizes five religions but requires them to register and follow strict state guidelines. Independent churches that refuse often face surveillance, raids, or closure. Experts warn that the latest detentions will deepen fear among millions of Christians who continue to worship in private homes and small gatherings.

Despite huge international  pressure, many believers remain determined to continue their faith practices underground. As international attention grows, the coming weeks will test whether diplomatic pressure can influence China’s decisons—or whether its tightening control over religion will intensify further.

Author: Nia Kokhreidze

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Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women in Beijing

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On October 13-14, 2025, China, as co-host, assumed the role of a global leader in gender equality by holding a High-Level Meeting on Women’s Rights in Beijing. President Xi Jinping underscored the necessity of women’s active participation both in politics and at all levels of decision-making. According to him, countries must open the path for women in matters of state governance. Although China has achieved excellent results in the field of women’s education (for example, women comprise half of the students in higher education institutions), the quantitative scarcity of women in leadership positions raises serious questions. In response to this, the UN already called on China in 2023 to introduce legislative quotas. This appeal became particularly relevant after 2022, for the first time in 20 years, when not a single female official was represented in the country’s highest governing bodies—the Politburo and its Standing Committee.

President Xi Jinping announced new financial commitments from China aimed at safeguarding women’s rights and strengthening their positions. He stated that China will contribute an additional US$10 million to UN Women. Furthermore, China will earmark US$100 million from the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund, which will be used in collaboration with international organizations for projects promoting women’s rights and the improvement of their social status.

Chinese President Xi Jinping actively used the summit’s diplomatic platform to strengthen bilateral ties. On October 13–14, 2025, he held bilateral meetings with the leaders of several states—namely, Iceland, Ghana, Dominica, Mozambique, and Sri Lanka. Within the context of these meetings, on October 14, 2025, President Xi Jinping spoke with Icelandic President Halla Tómasdóttir. The main message of the dialogue was the demonstration that even countries with different social systems can engage in successful and mutually beneficial cooperation. During the meeting with the Icelandic President, emphasis was placed on the desire to deepen bilateral relations.

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Civic IDEA at Forum 2000: Defending Democracy in Georgia

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“As the ruling Georgian Dream party continues to attack democracy in Georgia, it’s important for Western policy makers not to engage in political dialogue with its representatives” – said Tinatin Khidasheli, former Minister of Defence and director of the Civic IDEA think tank.

She relayed this message at the Forum 2000 conference during an expert panel on civil society in Georgia, which was co-organised by the Prague Civil Society Centre and Civic-Idea.

Together with Saba Brachveli, Human Rights Programme manager at the Civil Society Foundation, and Ghia Nodia, Professor of politics at Ilia State University in Tbilisi, they discussed the ongoing resistance against the Georgian government’s repression, as well as what can Europe do to help Georgian civil society.

“The current government stands on three pillars of power: propaganda, law enforcement, and finances. We need financial sanctions on the individuals and businesses tied to financing these,” Brachveli said.

“Resistance is successful and will eventually change the regime,” stated Khidasheli.

“In recent years, georgia’s civil society has come under pressure from a government eager to consolidate power, labeling critics as foreign agents or enemies of the state. As civic space shrinks, activists continue to resist – organizing, adapting, and defending democratic values. While rooted in Georgia, these challenges reflect wider global trends. What lled to the current situation, and what does it mean on the ground ? what political, legal, and rhetorical strategies are restricting civic space, and how do they reflect broader authoritarian trends? How are civil society actors resisting and innovating and what lessons can be shared internationally? How can local and global actors support democratic resilience” – says the forum 2000

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Stock prices in the Asia-Pacific region fell amid the US-China tariff war

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In the Asia-Pacific region, the value of major stock exchanges fell due to Trump’s threat to impose triple-digit tariffs on Chinese imports. China holds reserves of strategically important rare minerals, which also underpin its global dominance. Although trade negotiations between the two countries had made progress over the summer, Beijing’s decision to tighten export controls on these minerals was prompted by the US decision to implement new export restrictions against China.

The new trade restrictions imposed by China, which will take effect in November, will impact the economies of East Asian countries, particularly Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. Each of these countries plays a fundamental role in the production of cutting-edge artificial intelligence and technology products. Washington actively uses economic pressure as a lever of geopolitical influence. Accordingly, in response to Beijing, Trump’s decision will impose an additional 100 percent tariff on Chinese goods, raising the total duty to 130 percent. Effectively, the US is declaring a trade embargo on China, as Chinese goods will be unable to enter the American market.

Amid prolonged trade tensions, US stock exchanges were also affected. After the S&P 500 and Nasdaq experienced their sharpest declines, Trump wrote on Trust Social that the US “wants to help China, not hurt it.” “Don’t worry about China, it will be all fine!”  Following Trump’s comments, the US stock market improved on Sunday evening.

On Sunday, Beijing warned the United States. According to a statement released by the Ministry of Commerce, China’s position remains unchanged: “We do not want a tariff war, but we are not afraid of it either”.

The next wave of counter-response trade restrictions will erase the progress achieved during the months of meetings between Chinese and US officials. At this time, it is unclear whether Trump will actually implement the tariff threat by November 1 or if the situation will be resolved.

On Sunday, speaking to journalists aboard Air Force 1, Trump said, “Let’s see what happens”, when asked about the November 1 deadline. In the Fox News program The Sunday Briefing, US Trade Representative jamieson greer said that the United States was unaware of China’s motives and did not expect the export restrictions, although Chinese officials stated that regional and national-level notifications had been made.

At the same time, Vice President JD Vance urged China to “choose the path of reason,” while emphasizing that the US holds “far more cards” if Beijing chooses to respond aggressively. As a result, a counter-response is likely, making it much harder for the two countries to find common ground and maintain economic stability.

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Defending Democracy: Georgian Civil Society Voices at the Riga Conference

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Tinatin Khidasheli, Chairperson of Civic IDEA, participated in the panel discussion “Defending Democracy in Georgia: Civil Society Voices and Western Solidarity” held within the framework of the Riga Conference 2025.

The discussion brought together key representatives from Georgia’s media, non-governmental sector, and academia to examine the ongoing challenges facing the country’s democratic institutions and the growing pressure on independent voices.

In her remarks, Tinatin Khidasheli addressed the mounting repressions against civil society organizations, the introduction of repressive legislation, and the broader struggle to preserve democratic space in Georgia. She emphasized the crucial role of civic resilience and international solidarity in resisting authoritarian consolidation and safeguarding democratic values.

The panel highlighted that while democratic institutions in Georgia are under unprecedented strain, civil society continues to stand as a vital line of defense—upholding freedom, transparency, and the principles of democracy with the support of international partners.

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China’s Engagement in the South Caucasus and Kazakhstan (October 6–12)

Weekly news / /

Georgia

Chinese Influencers and Bloggers Visit Tbilisi

Organized by the City Service of Economic Development of Tbilisi City Hall, representatives of China’s digital media and tourism sector, including bloggers and members of tourism associations, visited Tbilisi. The delegation was welcomed by Vakhtang Lomjaria, Head of the City Service of Economic Development.

As part of a digital promotion campaign, the visiting media representatives will share content on their platforms showcasing Tbilisi’s tourist attractions and opportunities, aiming to attract more Chinese tourists to Georgia.

October 10, 2025

Vice-President of the Asian Development Bank to Attend Tbilisi Silk Road Forum

Ingmin Yang, Vice-President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), will participate in the Tbilisi Silk Road Forum, scheduled to take place on October 22–23 in Tbilisi.

During the forum, Ingmin Yang will speak at the panel discussion titled “Middle Corridor: From Reliability to Efficiency.”

Before his appointment as Vice-President of the ADB, Ingmin Yang held several leadership positions at the Ministry of Finance of the People’s Republic of China.

October 10, 2025

Prime Minister Kobakhidze Meets with Chinese Ambassador

Ivanishvili’s Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze met with the Chinese Ambassador to Georgia, Zhou Qian.

According to the information released by the Press Service of Ivanishvili’s Government, the Ambassador congratulated Prime Minister Kobakhidze on the ruling party’s “convincing victory” in the recent local elections.

During the meeting, Ambassador Zhou Qian also delivered an official invitation from the Chinese side to attend the 8th China International Import Expo, scheduled to be held in Shanghai from November 5 to 10.

It is noteworthy that the bilateral meetings between Irakli Kobakhidze and the Ambassador of China are held on a regular basis. Specifically, prior to the meeting on October 10, Kobakhidze had met with the Chinese Ambassador three times during the year. Consequently, it gives the impression that the regular diplomatic meetings with the Chinese Ambassador have turned into a kind of series of political consultations.

October 10, 2025

Armenia

Armenian Prime Minister met AIIB Representative

Armenian Deputy Prime Minister Tigran Khachatryan on Friday received Konstantin Limitovskiy, Chief Investment Officer for Public Sector (Region 2) & Project and Corporate Finance (Global) Clients of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), according to the Armenian government press service.

Khachatryan claimed that Armenia’s membership in the AIIB will create new opportunities for participation in large regional investment projects, as well as for attracting both public and private capital to implement programs in various sectors in the country.

In turn, Limitovskiy emphasized the importance of the AIIB developing partnership relations with Armenia, and expressed confidence that his visit to the country would provide a good opportunity to become acquainted with the infrastructure projects being implemented in Armenia, as well as to outline the main directions of bilateral cooperation.

During the meeting, the sides exchanged views on possible domains of cooperation, particularly discussing a wide range of matters related to major infrastructure projects, energy, water management, and several other sectors.

October 10, 2025

Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan University of Languages (AUL) Celebrates the Chinese “Mid-Autumn” Festival

The Confucius Institute at the Azerbaijan University of Languages celebrated the traditional Chinese “Mid-Autumn” Festival with a cultural event highlighting the history and customs associated with the occasion.

During the celebration, Confucius Institute teacher Kamala Mammadova and Director Rafig Abbasov spoke about the origins of the festival, the symbolism of the Moon Cake, and various other cultural traditions. As part of the event, university students recited poems by Chinese authors.

October 6, 2025

Azerbaijani Student Wins Competition in China

Kamil Buniatov, a student of the Confucius Institute at the Azerbaijan University of Languages, participated in the final stage of the 18th International “Chinese Bridge” Competition for school students, held in Tianjin, China.

During the competition, Kamil Buniatov received an award “For Outstanding Achievement” and earned a scholarship to study in China, recognizing his excellence in Chinese language and cultural proficiency.

October 7, 2025

Sino-Azerbaijani Economic Partnership Prospects Discussed

Representatives of the Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Agency (AZPROMO) met with a delegation from the Chinese Overseas Development Association, led by its President Xu Jianping.

During the meeting, the parties discussed ways to deepen bilateral economic cooperation, explore opportunities for establishing partnerships with the Association and its member companies, and consider prospects for creating a formal framework to strengthen long-term collaboration between Azerbaijan and China.

October 7, 2025

Chinese Technologies Utilized in the Bilasuvar Solar Power Station

In Azerbaijan’s Bilasuvar District, construction is underway on a 445 MW solar power station, scheduled to begin operations in 2027.

According to official information, the project is being implemented using technologies produced by the Chinese company JA Solar. The station will include more than 943,000 Chinese-made solar panels, highlighting the growing role of Chinese renewable energy technologies in Azerbaijan’s energy sector.

October 9, 2025

Kazakhstan
Cutting-Edge Laboratory Opens in East Kazakhstan

On October 8, an ultra-modern veterinary laboratory was officially inaugurated in the East Kazakhstan region. This project was executed under an intergovernmental agreement between Kazakhstan and China. The primary objective of opening the laboratory is to enhance the level of food safety and strengthen the country’s agricultural export potential.

The facility has received accreditation under both international (ISO 17025) and Chinese standards, which will enable Kazakhstan to expand its exports of agricultural products to China and other markets without facing technical barriers. As part of the cooperation, the Government of China provided the institution with 99 units of modern laboratory equipment, valued at 840 million Tenge. Annually, the laboratory is capable of conducting up to 550,000 tests for particularly dangerous infections and food safety indicators.

Astana Conference: China Supports Upholding International Law Norms

Last week, on October 8, Astana hosted a regional conference dedicated to strengthening political commitment to International Humanitarian Law (IHL). This initiative was established in 2024 at the UN General Assembly by six states—Kazakhstan, China, Brazil, France, Jordan, and South Africa—and aims to overcome the problem of the practical non-compliance with international law norms during armed conflicts.

The conference was attended by the Chinese side, and the meeting discussed practical mechanisms that will facilitate the better enforcement and functioning of international law in Central Asia, the South Caucasus, and Eastern Europe. China’s active participation in this political process clearly demonstrates Beijing’s strategic ambition to expand its influence into non-military spheres of global governance.

Kazakhstan Among China's Top Five Most Sought-After Destinations for Hotel Bookings

According to data from October 9, Kazakhstan has ranked among the top five fastest-growing international destinations for Chinese travelers in terms of hotel reservations. According to “Kazakh Tourism,” this trend is linked to China’s eight-day National Day Holiday and the Mid-Autumn Festival breaks.

Data confirms the effectiveness of the bilateral visa-free regime policy: the number of tourists arriving in Kazakhstan from China reached 675,000 during the first nine months of the current year, marking a significant increase compared to the analogous period last year (655,000). This surge is further supported by growing digital interest: according to China’s largest search engine, “Baidu,” the daily search frequency regarding Kazakhstan reached 430,000, with particularly high activity observed from the economically strong regions of Guangdong and Beijing.

Kazakhstan Expands Strategic Investment Projects with China

In an article published on October 10 by the Kazinform International News Agency, it is noted that 14 major investment projects will be implemented in West Kazakhstan as part of a direct directive from President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. This initiative underscores the strategic partnership between China and Kazakhstan. Chinese investors plan to inject over 134 billion Tenge into key sectors of the region’s economy.

The entire package of projects, which will be executed by a single Chinese consortium, serves various objectives. For example, the first phase involves the construction of a 34-megawatt gas power plant in the industrial zone, ensuring a stable energy supply for future enterprises. The Chinese company, VEGA Power, announced that the project is phased, with the initial investment totaling $30 million USD.

October 10, 2025

Kazakhstan Expands Mining and Metallurgy Production with China's Assistance

This week, on October 13, the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan, Olzhas Bektenov, met with Chen Jing He, Chairman of the Board of Directors of China’s world-class metallurgical giant, Zijin Mining Group. The central topic of the negotiations was the deepening of investment cooperation in the mining and metallurgical sector.

The parties agreed to work jointly on a large-scale mining and metallurgical investment complex project in the Akmola region. Prime Minister Bektenov emphasized the Kazakh government’s support for projects that possess high added value. This type of partnership is essential for expanding mineral production, creating permanent jobs, and introducing ecologically sustainable, advanced technologies.

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China Introduces New Port Fees on U.S

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China’s Ministry of Transport has announced that vessels owned or registered by U.S. companies, organizations, and individuals will be subject to additional port fees starting October 14. The measure, approved by the State Council, is widely seen as a geopolitical counterreaction to trade policies pursued by the Trump administration.

The decision comes shortly after the United States imposed new tariffs on Chinese goods — a move that Beijing has condemned as unfair economic pressure. Washington’s step is closely tied to China’s export control measures aimed at limiting the sale of strategic materials, such as rare metals and minerals, essential for high-tech industries. Western analysts have described China’s restrictions as an attempt to disrupt U.S. supply chains that heavily depend on Chinese raw materials. 

In this context, China’s plan to gradually raise port fees between 2025 and 2028 — from 400 to 1,120 yuan per ton — reflects Beijing’s long-term strategy. On one hand, it mirrors U.S. tariffs with a symmetrical response; on the other, it preserves policy flexibility, allowing the government to adjust both the rate and scope of the fees as needed. 

The administrative framework of the new fee is also notable. The charge will increase with each ship’s first annual entry and will apply no more than five times per year — a structure designed to limit disruptions in international shipping and avoid destabilizing global trade networks. 

China’s Ministry of Transport added that the country will continue to take reciprocal actions within the framework of law, a diplomatically phrased warning that signals Beijing’s readiness for further economic countermeasures if necessary.

According to the analytical firm Linerlytica, Chinese shipping operators active in the U.S. market could face around $1.15 billion in fees in the first year alone, compared to just $180 million for U.S. companies — highlighting the asymmetry in tariff impacts that China aims to offset with proportional measures. 

Meanwhile, the China Shipowners’ Association has urged the government to adopt tougher steps, including imposing additional charges on foreign vessels and implementing targeted counterreactions if required.

Data from Alphaliner shows that by 2026, U.S. tariffs will cost the world’s leading shipping companies roughly $3.2 billion, with China’s state-owned COSCO Group expected to be among the hardest hit due to its extensive fleet operating between China and the United States.

The issue is expected to be a key topic during the upcoming meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping later this month. Experts predict that the escalating port fee dispute will mark a new phase in trade relations, where economic measures increasingly evolve into geopolitical instruments.

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China tightens rare-earth export controls

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China has announced a significant expansion of export controls over 12 rare-earth materials after adding five more materials: holmium, erbium, thulium, europium, and ytterbium to the existing list of restricted ones and related technologies targeting foreign defense, military, and semiconductor users. These measures, which build on stricter rules introduced in April, have already disrupted global supply chains. The law was adopted on October 9, 2025.

The new rules include outright license denials for overseas defense users. Exports of recycling equipment and magnet production technologies will require official licenses.

Rare-earth elements are used not only in everyday electronics but also in military equipment, from smartphones to fighter jets. They are also critical for semiconductor manufacturing. The law for advanced semiconductor applications requires review on a case-by-case basis. New restrictions prohibit locally based firms from collaborating abroad on rare earth-related processes without official approval. Some of the new rules are already in effect, while others are scheduled to begin on December 1.

China dominates the processing stage of the rare-earth, controlling 90% of global rare-earth output and magnet production. Rare-earth is critical to many high-tech and defense agencies. These restrictions give China significant leverage in global trade, especially in its negotiations with the U.S. This move is more alarming given the fact that it was adopted before the U.S.-China leaders’ meeting at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in South Korea, which should be held in a few months. The commerce ministry stated that the restrictions aim to “safeguard national security and interests” by preventing materials from “being used, directly or indirectly, in military and other sensitive fields.”

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China and Malaysia to hold “Peace and Friendship-2025” joint exercise

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The armed forces of China and Malaysia will resume the series of joint exercises from the middle of October 2025. According to the Chinese Ministry of National Defense, the program, named “Peace and Friendship-2025”, will be held in Malaysia and its adjacent waters.

Within the framework of this project, the history of military cooperation between China and Malaysia began in 2014. The exercises were primarily focused on joint search and rescue and humanitarian aid.

In 2018, the 4th “Peace and Friendship” initiative was conducted in an expanded format, where, in addition to China and Malaysia, Thailand was also involved in the training. In 2023, the program expanded even further, as Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam also participated in the joint exercises.

The exercises are usually focused on non-warfare operations (Military Operations Other Than War – MOOTW), for example, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and counter-terrorism.

It is important that other ASEAN member states will also be invited as observers to the announced 6th “Peace and Friendship” initiative.

The initiative aims to strengthen practical cooperation between the militaries of China and Southeast Asian nations, improve their ability to jointly respond to non-traditional security threats, and maintain regional peace and stability.

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