China in the South Caucasus and Kyrgyzstan (April 20-26)
Tbilisi seeks to deepen digital cooperation with Beijing
April 21
On 21 April, high-level meetings were held in Tbilisi with Zhuang Rongwen, Director of the Cyberspace Administration of China. He met with Georgia’s Minister of Justice and the Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development.
According to the Ministry of Economy, the meeting focused on the importance of the Georgia-China strategic partnership, the development of economic ties, and cooperation in the digital economy.
The Georgian side emphasized the goal of strengthening Georgia’s role as a digital transit hub connecting Asia and Europe, as well as the importance of developing large-scale data centers. The discussion also touched on cooperation in artificial intelligence, which has recently emerged as one of the active topics in official Georgia-China meetings.
On the same day, the Director of the Cyberspace Administration of China also met with Georgia’s Minister of Justice, Paata Salia. The meeting covered opportunities to deepen cooperation in cybersecurity and innovation. The sides also discussed the use of artificial intelligence, the introduction of mobile applications, and the development of digital projects.
Zhuang Rongwen’s visit indicates that official Tbilisi is seeking to expand cooperation with Beijing in the digital sphere. However, it is noteworthy that the agency represented in these meetings is one of the key instruments of the Chinese Communist Party’s state censorship and authoritarian control over the digital space.
Georgia and China agree to update the Free Trade Agreement
April 22
Georgia’s Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, Mariam Kvrivishvili, met China’s Commerce Minister Wang Wentao in Beijing on 22 April.
During the meeting, the sides signed a protocol on amendments to the Georgia-China Free Trade Agreement. The changes are intended to adapt the agreement to the modern trade environment, define areas of cooperation more clearly, and add new directions.
According to China’s Ministry of Commerce, Kvrivishvili described cooperation with China as a priority for the Georgian government and emphasized Georgia’s interest in expanding cooperation in agriculture, oil and gas development, automobile production, port infrastructure, and tourism.
Beijing stated that it is ready to deepen trade, economic, and investment ties with Georgia.
Kvrivishvili meets NDRC representative: Focus on investment and the Middle Corridor
April 23
On 23 April, Georgia’s Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, Mariam Kvrivishvili, met Zhou Haibin, Deputy Chair of China’s National Development and Reform Commission.
During the meeting, the sides agreed to establish a dialogue mechanism to attract investment between Georgia and China. The mechanism will place particular emphasis on Chinese investment in the transport and logistics sectors.
The meeting also addressed the Middle Corridor and Georgia’s role as a transit country connecting China and Europe. In this context, the Anaklia port was named as a strategic project of importance both for Georgia-China cooperation and for the partner states of the Middle Corridor.
The issue of Anaklia port was also addressed by Georgia’s Prime Minister before the official meeting, when he responded to a journalist’s question about amendments to the Georgia-China Free Trade Agreement.
“There will be discussions on all topics, including Anaklia. Naturally, this is also one of the goals of this visit. Negotiations are ongoing”, Irakli Kobakhidze said.
The Anaklia deep-sea port is considered one of Georgia’s major 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, though no official update on an agreement has been released so far.
Kvrivishvili’s visit to China: Aviation, energy, and technological cooperation
April 25
During her official visit to China on 21-25 April, Economy and Sustainable Development Minister Mariam Kvrivishvili held meetings in the fields of aviation, energy, technology, and the digital economy.
One practical outcome of the visit emerged in the aviation sector. Following Kvrivishvili’s meeting with representatives of China Eastern Airlines, the company will launch direct Shanghai-Tbilisi-Shanghai flights three times a week starting from 15 July.
At the same time, the Georgian delegation discussed with China Southern Airlines the possibility of launching direct flights between Beijing and Tbilisi, as well as from other Chinese cities to Georgia. The meetings also focused on cargo transportation, including the development of a regional cargo hub within the Middle Corridor framework and the possibility of giving China Southern Cargo access to Georgia’s transport infrastructure.
As part of the visit, Kvrivishvili met Wang Yutao, Chairman of the Chinese state-owned company China ZhenHua Oil. The sides discussed opportunities for oil and gas exploration in Georgia. In a separate meeting with Geo-Jade Petroleum Corporation, the Georgian delegation presented Georgia’s business and investment environment.
Technology was also an important part of the visit. Mariam Kvrivishvili met Simon Du, Director of International Government Affairs at Xiaomi Corporation, and discussed possible cooperation with the company.
The negotiations launched during the visit are aimed at deepening economic cooperation with China. The next stage of the process will involve the practical implementation of the initiatives discussed by the two sides.
Azerbaijan and China discuss cooperation within WUF13
April 21
On April 21, Anar Guliyev, Chairman of Azerbaijan’s State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture, met with Lu Mei, China’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan.
The sides emphasized the importance of the Azerbaijan-China strategic partnership and discussed China’s participation in the 13th World Urban Forum, WUF13, planned to be held in Baku.
WUF13 will take place in Baku on May 17-22, 2026, under the theme “Housing the world: Safe and resilient cities and communities”. The forum will focus on urbanization, the housing crisis, safe and sustainable cities, climate risks, and inclusive urban planning.
The meeting also noted that broad participation is expected at the forum, including high-level delegations, academic circles, and private sector representatives.
The meeting reflects efforts to expand cooperation between Azerbaijan and China in infrastructure and urban development.
SOCAR and China’s BGP Inc. discuss expanding cooperation
April 22
On April 22, Rovshan Najaf, President of Azerbaijan’s State Oil Company SOCAR, met with Ren Wenjun, Chairman and Executive Director of China’s BGP Inc. The sides discussed ongoing projects, improving operational efficiency, and opportunities to expand cooperation.
During the meeting, SOCAR and BGP Inc. emphasized their long-standing cooperation. Particular attention was also given to Caspian Geo, a joint venture between SOCAR and BGP Inc., which plays an important role in conducting seismic surveys in the Caspian region using advanced technologies.
The meeting represents an important step toward strengthening Azerbaijan-China energy cooperation.
Azerbaijan and Chinese companies signed agreements on vehicle production
April 23
An Azerbaijani delegation led by Niyazi Bayramov, Head of the Ganja City Executive Authority, paid an official visit to China on April 23. During the visit, the Ganja Automobile Plant Production Association signed cooperation agreements with two Chinese companies.
The agreement signed with CLW Chengli Group envisages the launch of production of commercial vehicles and trucks in Azerbaijan. The second agreement was signed with Shaanxi Automobile Group Commercial Vehicle Co. Ltd., also known as SAGMOTO, and covers the assembly of commercial vehicles in Azerbaijan.
The documents were signed by Khanlar Fatiyev, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Ganja Automobile Plant Production Association, the General Manager of CLW Chengli Group, and the Deputy Director General of SAGMOTO.
At meetings held before the signing ceremony, Niyazi Bayramov spoke about the business and investment environment created in Azerbaijan. Video materials about the city of Ganja and the activities of the Chinese companies were also presented during the meetings.
Azerbaijan and China reviewed cooperation in logistics and technology
April 23
On April 23, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Digital Development and Transport, Rashad Nabiyev, met with Zhuang Rongwen, Head of the Cyberspace Administration of China. During the meeting, the sides discussed cooperation between Azerbaijan and China in transport, logistics and technology.
According to AZERTAC, the sides reviewed existing opportunities in the fields of information and communication technologies and innovation.
The meeting also focused on cybersecurity, research cooperation, human capital development, and strengthening the legal and regulatory framework.
Azerbaijani parliamentary speaker hosts head of China’s Cyberspace Administration
April 23
On April 23, Speaker of Azerbaijan’s Milli Majlis Sahiba Gafarova met with Zhuang Rongwen, Head of China’s State Internet Information Office. The sides discussed the Azerbaijan-China strategic partnership and opportunities to expand cooperation in the digital sphere.
The meeting focused on cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, green energy, information technology, innovation, and artificial intelligence.
Gafarova spoke about Azerbaijan’s ongoing digital transformation policy and noted that the Milli Majlis is involved in shaping the relevant legislative framework.
The Chinese representative said Beijing is ready to expand cooperation with Azerbaijan in the areas of the internet, cybersecurity, the digital economy, and artificial intelligence.
Azerbaijan and China discussed issues related to combating disinformation
April 24
On April 24, Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration, met with Zhuang Rongwen, Minister of the Cyberspace Administration of China. The sides discussed cooperation in digital development, social media, and combating disinformation.
According to Trend, Hajiyev shared information about the meeting on his X account. He said that, within the framework of the comprehensive strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and China, the sides also discussed issues related to combating disinformation.
The meeting highlights the digital and information-security dimensions of Azerbaijan-China cooperation.
Azerbaijan and China discussed issues related to combating disinformation
April 24
On April 24, Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration, met with Zhuang Rongwen, Minister of the Cyberspace Administration of China. The sides discussed cooperation in digital development, social media, and combating disinformation.
According to Trend, Hajiyev shared information about the meeting on his X account. He said that, within the framework of the comprehensive strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and China, the sides also discussed issues related to combating disinformation.
The meeting highlights the digital and information-security dimensions of Azerbaijan-China cooperation.
Pashinyan mentioned China in the context of Armenia’s “balanced” foreign policy
April 20
On April 20, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, while presenting the election program of the ruling Civil Contract party, named China as one of the important directions of Armenia’s foreign policy.
According to Pashinyan, Armenia has recently established formats of strategic partnership, dialogue, and cooperation with various states. In this context, he also mentioned China, noting that this approach is part of Armenia’s “balanced and balancing” foreign policy.
The prime minister’s speech also focused on strengthening regional connectivity. The program refers to transit and infrastructure projects, including the TRIPP project, the Kars-Gyumri railway, and the “Crossroads of Peace” concept.
Pashinyan’s message indicates that Yerevan views relations with China not only as part of bilateral cooperation, but also within a broader foreign-policy and transit agenda.
Armenia’s Deputy Prime Minister met with China’s ambassador
April 22
On April 22, Armenian Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan received China’s ambassador to Armenia, Li Xinwei.
According to the Armenian government, the meeting focused on the prospects of the strategic partnership established between Armenia and China. Grigoryan noted that “new horizons” had opened in bilateral relations.
The parties also discussed the possible alignment between Armenia’s “Crossroads of Peace” project and China’s Belt and Road Initiative. They emphasized the growth of trade and economic cooperation, as well as the need to intensify business ties.
Kyrgyzstan proposes switching Torugart checkpoint to 24-hour operation
April 21
On 21 April, representatives of the Kyrgyz and Chinese customs authorities discussed increasing capacity at the Kyrgyz-Chinese border.
The sides reviewed ways to improve the throughput of border checkpoints. In this context, Kyrgyzstan proposed that China switch the Chinese side of the Torugart checkpoint to 24-hour operation. According to Bishkek, this would help speed up cargo flows and strengthen trade and logistics links.
The sides also discussed simplifying customs procedures and improving coordination mechanisms at border checkpoints. The talks also covered the involvement of additional liaison officers, which is expected to support faster communication and better coordination of border processes.
Increasing capacity at the Kyrgyz-Chinese border is important for Bishkek as it seeks to strengthen its regional transit role. The Torugart and Irkeshtam routes remain among Kyrgyzstan’s key channels for trade with China and transport connectivity in Central Asia.
Chinese investors ask Kyrgyzstan to ensure legal protection and a stable environment
April 21
On 21 April, Kyrgyzstan’s National Investment Agency met representatives of the Chinese companies Guipai Holding Group, Hunan Jingwei Real Estate Development Co., and Tengri Invest LLC.
The sides discussed opportunities to implement construction, real estate, and infrastructure projects. Chinese investors emphasized the importance of a stable investment environment and asked the Kyrgyz side to provide legal protection mechanisms and state guarantees.
For Kyrgyzstan, attracting Chinese investment in infrastructure and urban development remains one of the important components of economic cooperation.
Kyrgyzstan and China discuss road transportation issues
April 22
On 22 April, Kyrgyz Deputy Transport Minister Almaz Turgunbaev met Chinese Deputy Transport Minister Li Yang in Bishkek. The sides discussed the development of bilateral road transportation and the strengthening of new logistics routes.
The talks covered Kyrgyzstan’s possible participation in the China-Russia-Mongolia Asian Highway transport framework, special permits for the movement of oversized cargo through Chinese territory, the entry of Kyrgyz passenger cars into China, and the operation of Chinese taxis in Kyrgyzstan.
For Bishkek, these areas are important in the context of expanding transport links with China and strengthening the country’s regional logistics role.
Kyrgyzstan discusses investment cooperation with China’s Gansu Feitian
April 22
On 22 April, Kyrgyzstan’s National Investment Agency discussed investment cooperation opportunities with China’s Gansu Feitian International Trading Company.
The meeting covered possible projects in mining, transport, urban infrastructure, energy, water resources, industry, and logistics. The sides also discussed public-private partnership mechanisms, tax incentives, and the possibility of using free economic zones.
For Bishkek, such talks are part of efforts to attract Chinese capital and expand infrastructure and economic projects.
China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project criticized over environmental risks
April 23
On 23 April, regional media reported that the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project had come under scrutiny over environmental risks.
The criticism mainly concerns the possible impact on snow leopard habitats in Kyrgyzstan’s high-mountain regions. Environmentalists warn that the railway route could fragment habitats, disrupt ecosystems, and restrict wildlife movement.
The concerns raised about the project increase pressure for infrastructure development to proceed with clearer environmental guarantees and additional protection mechanisms.
Kyrgyzstan and Shandong province discuss industrial cooperation
April 24
On 24 April, Kyrgyz officials met a delegation from China’s Shandong province. The sides discussed deepening cooperation in high-tech investment, industrial modernization, joint industrial parks, transport, and logistics.
As a result of the meeting, the sides signed two documents. One concerns industrialization, the creation of new production lines, and the development of high-tech clusters. The other focuses on vocational training, retraining engineering personnel, and internship opportunities in Shandong.
For Bishkek, cooperation with Shandong is seen as another avenue for attracting Chinese investment and strengthening the country’s industrial potential.
Kyrgyzstan discusses hydropower projects with PowerChina
April 24
On 24 April, Kyrgyzstan’s National Investment Agency discussed energy cooperation opportunities with a delegation from China’s PowerChina.
The meeting focused on major hydropower projects, the development of renewable energy, and attracting investment in energy infrastructure. The sides also discussed the use of modern technologies in future joint projects.
For Bishkek, energy cooperation with Chinese companies remains one of the directions for expanding the country’s investment portfolio and strengthening its energy infrastructure.
Kyrgyzstan tests transport route to Karachi port through China
April 25
On 25 April, Kyrgyzstan tested a new pilot transport route connecting Bishkek to Pakistan’s Karachi port through China and Pakistan.
The route runs through Bishkek-Torugart-Kashgar-Khunjerab-Islamabad-Karachi and is approximately 3,300 kilometers long. Its goal is to expand Kyrgyzstan’s access to seaports and strengthen trade and logistics links through China and Pakistan.
For Bishkek, such transport corridors are particularly important for increasing the country’s transit potential and becoming more actively integrated into regional trade networks.
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