Civicidea

China: A Hidden Actor in the Ukraine War

Newswire / /

While officially maintaining a stance of neutrality in the Ukraine conflict, China is increasingly under international scrutiny for its alleged support of Russian aggression. Recent developments suggest that Beijing is covertly leveraging the war for economic and political advantage, while simultaneously aiding Russia’s military efforts.

On July 9, Ukrainian authorities detained two Chinese nationals accused of attempting to transfer classified information to Chinese intelligence. According to Ukrainian officials, the individuals had recruited a Ukrainian citizen with access to sensitive defense technologies, including data related to the Neptune missile system.

In response, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated on July 10 that Beijing was “verifying” the information provided by Ukraine. The spokesperson added that if Chinese citizens were involved, their “lawful rights of Chinese citizens need to be safeguarded.”

These developments followed a July 8 Bloomberg investigation revealing a covert collaboration between the Russian drone manufacturer Aero-HIT, currently under international sanctions, and the Chinese company Autel Robotics. According to the report, the two firms have been in negotiations since 2023 with the goal of manufacturing 10,000 drones annually in Russia.

That same day, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky imposed sanctions on five Chinese companies: Central Asia Silk Road International Trade, Suzhou Ecod Precision Manufacturing, Shenzhen Royo Technology, Shenzhen Jinduobang Technology, and Ningbo BLIN Machinery. These firms were found to be supplying components to Russian entities for drone production. Some of these parts were reportedly discovered in Shahed drones used by Russia in airstrikes on Kyiv on July 4.

Since the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, numerous reports have emerged alleging that Chinese companies and nationals are aiding Moscow’s war effort. Despite this, Beijing continues to deny any involvement, insisting it remains a neutral party. However, on July 4, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with European Union representative Kaya Kallas and reportedly declared that a Russian defeat in the conflict would be unacceptable to Beijing. Accounts of the meeting confirm that China is making every effort to prevent such an outcome.

China: A Hidden Actor in the Ukraine War Read More »

Georgian Dream’s anti-western policy: How Iranian companies are using Georgia to bypass sanctions

New, Research / /

HOW IRANIAN COMPANIES ARE USING GEORGIA TO BYPASS SANCTIONS?

Civic IDEA’s latest investigation sheds light on a little-known but deeply troubling dimension of Iran-Georgia relations. The report exposes how Iranian businessmen are using Georgia as a strategic transit point to evade international sanctions and channel funds back to the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Our findings reveal that as diplomatic ties between the Georgian Dream government and Iran have grown closer, several Georgian-registered companies have emerged with direct links to Iran’s Ministry of Defense and the Armed Forces Logistics Agency.

The investigation also highlights the role of Georgian citizens and businesses who, in collaboration with Iranian partners, are allegedly involved in arms trafficking and high-risk financial operations.

Read the full report for in-depth evidence of the growing national security risks posed by this opaque and dangerous partnership between Tbilisi and Tehran:

Georgian Dream’s anti-western policy: How Iranian companies are using Georgia to bypass sanctions Read More »

Georgia’s Energy Sector Without Western Support: A Road to Russian Dependence

New, Research / /

“Today, we have decided not to put the issue of opening negotiations with the European Union on the agenda until the end of 2028. We are also refusing any budget grants from the EU until the end of 2028.” 

“We intend not to enter the EU begging and standing on one leg, but to join the EU with dignity, with a functioning democratic system and a strong economy.“ 

With this statement, the Georgian Dream government seeks to downplay the vital role that Western institutions have played in Georgia’s political, economic, educational, and infrastructural development. In reality, by rejecting EU assistance, the government is not only jeopardizing Georgia’s future in the EU’s political and economic structures but also undermining the country’s opportunity to develop in line with European standards. 

To illustrate this, the report analyzes the European Union’s contribution to Georgia’s energy independence. It is based on both quantitative and qualitative assessments of energy-related projects implemented between 2013 and 20241. Stay tuned for upcoming reports on EU assistance in agriculture, education, and other key sectors.

Full Report:

Georgia’s Energy Sector Without Western Support: A Road to Russian Dependence Read More »

China and South Korea seek to keep relations on the “right track”

Newswire / /

A telephone conversation on June 11 between Chinese President Xi Jinping and new South Korean President Lee Jae-myung aimed to deepen strategic cooperation. Xi Jinping noted that stable relations between the two countries contribute to regional and global peace.

The Chinese leader emphasized that China and South Korea are “close neighbors” who have successfully overcome ideological differences and achieved common development over 33 years of diplomatic relations. Both sides agreed to strengthen exchanges to foster strategic mutual trust. They also highlighted the importance of enhancing bilateral cooperation to protect the multilateral system and free trade, which ensures the stability of global supply chains.

For many countries in the Asia-Pacific region, including South Korea, China is a critical economic partner. Regional countries are significantly dependent on China’s market for their exports, as well as on Chinese investments and tourism. China’s economic growth and industrial power strengthen regional supply chains. Due to this interdependence, regional countries often try to balance their security interests within alliances with the U.S. and their economic interests with China, which necessitates a pragmatic diplomatic approach.

Lee Jae-myung’s victory in the South Korean elections potentially shifts Seoul’s foreign policy, particularly concerning China. Relations were strained under the previous administration due to the U.S. deployment of the THAAD missile system in Korea and South Korea’s participation in technology sanctions against China. Lee Jae-myung, who supports “pragmatic diplomacy,” seeks to balance relations between the U.S. and China. His government’s priority is to restore partnership with China, as China is South Korea’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching 328.08 billion USD in 2024. Lee Jae-myung also urged China to play a “constructive role” in the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

During the telephone conversation, Lee Jae-myung noted that he affirmed his readiness to work with the Chinese side to deepen bilateral relations, including supporting the Confucian-Islamic Civilizations Dialogue initiative, which aims to enhance exchanges between peoples and deepen the integration of civilizations. This initiative, proposed by Malaysia, underscores the potential for strengthening cultural exchanges in the region.

Western analysts are cautiously assessing the diplomatic maneuvers of South Korea’s new president, Lee Jae-myung. Although Seoul supports “pragmatic diplomacy” and seeks to improve relations with China, there are concerns in the West that this approach could come at the expense of weakening its strategic alliance with the United States, especially as Washington seeks to contain China’s growing influence in the region. Furthermore, China’s role in the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula is often viewed skeptically in the West, as Beijing remains North Korea’s main diplomatic and economic ally.

China and South Korea seek to keep relations on the “right track” Read More »

China-US Tensions Over Taiwan

Newswire / /

Tensions continue to escalate in the relationship between the United States and China, particularly concerning the issue of Taiwan. The administration of US President Donald Trump actively supports Taiwan, which draws sharp reactions from Beijing. China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly protested over the weekend against the US Secretary of Defense’s statement, where he noted that China poses an imminent threat to Taiwan – a self-governing island that Beijing considers its own territory.

New initiatives aimed at strengthening Taiwan’s defense capabilities are likely being discussed in the American legislative bodies. These steps, set against the backdrop of restrictions imposed by the Trump administration on China (such as hindering access to critical technologies), further exacerbate the situation. China views any US interference in the Taiwan issue as a “serious provocation” and warns Washington that such actions threaten regional stability. Beijing firmly adheres to the “One China” principle, which it considers the inviolable foundation of its national sovereignty.

The White House asserts that President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping will likely speak this week, though there has been no confirmation from the Chinese side. A spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Beijing has no information regarding such a call. Analysts speculate that China will only agree to such a call if assured that there will be no unexpected statements or actions from the US regarding the Taiwan issue.

Amidst this tension, US President Donald Trump noted in his Truth Social post that Xi Jinping is “extremely hard to make a deal with,” despite the fact that he has “always liked” the Chinese leader. This rhetoric once again highlights the deep disagreements between the two countries, particularly on issues of sovereignty and regional influence, where Taiwan occupies a central place.

The geopolitical tension is further amplified by the White House’s confirmation that a call between Trump and Xi will likely take place this week, as the two countries continue to argue over trade. The main point of contention appears to be critical minerals, as US officials complain that Beijing hasn’t accelerated the export of materials needed for cutting-edge electronics. These trade disputes are directly linked to the Taiwan issue, as Taiwan is a leading global producer of microchips, further increasing its strategic importance in global competition.

China-US Tensions Over Taiwan Read More »

Georgian Dream is watching: how AI-powered surveillance is used against Tbilisi protesters – OC Media’s article

New / /

An investigative article by OC Media reveals how the Georgian government is increasingly relying on AI-powered surveillance technologies to monitor and penalize peaceful protesters in Tbilisi.

Following the withdrawal of police forces from the streets, the number of surveillance cameras has grown significantly—many of them Chinese-made—now playing a central role in identifying protesters and imposing steep fines. This trend raises serious concerns about the use of facial recognition technologies and the large-scale processing of biometric data, threatening citizens’ rights to privacy, free expression, and peaceful assembly. The use of surveillance to intimidate and suppress civic activism marks a dangerous shift toward authoritarian control, undermining the foundations of a democratic society.

‘There are countries where this might not be a problem, given that they’re not on the frontline and don’t have a hostile state that is also China’s major strategic partner’, Tinatin Khidasheli, Georgia’s former Defence Minister and chairperson of Civic IDEA, which monitors growing Georgia-China relations, says in the article.

Full article

This issue has been the focus of several Civic IDEA publications as well. If you are interested in finding out more, check out our recent reports:

Report 1. 👉 EMERGING CONCERN: Chinese Surveillance Cameras in Georgia

Report 2. 👉 Georgian Dream’s Surveillance of Protesterst hrough Chinese Camera

Georgian Dream is watching: how AI-powered surveillance is used against Tbilisi protesters – OC Media’s article Read More »

Ambassador’s talks” project

New, Project / /
🎉 The third edition of the “Ambassador’s talks” project has officially concluded!
 
📅 “Ambassador’s talks” is a Civic IDEA initiative that gives selected participants the opportunity to engage in weekly meetings with ambassadors of various countries over a two-month period.

💡 This was the third time the project was held, and during this round, participants had the chance to meet the ambassadors of Georgia, Germany, the European Union, Latvia, Norway, the Czech Republic, Italy, the Netherlands, Japan, Denmark, Estonia, and more. The meetings took place in a lecture-discussion format, allowing for insightful conversations and exchanges.

🎉 On May 23, a special closing event was held to wrap up the series, where the winners of the project’s writing competition were announced. Participants presented their work in a storytelling format, highlighting the challenges faced by religious minorities in Georgia and emphasizing the need for inclusive solutions.
 
🏆 The winning participants were awarded prizes by the ambassadors themselves, who attended the final event and listened with great interest to the presentations. All participants received certificates of completion, and the evening concluded with a festive dinner.
 
Civic IDEA extends heartfelt thanks to all the participants, ambassadors, guests, and supporters who made this project possible! 💜

Ambassador’s talks” project Read More »

Russian Occupation Extends to Georgian Skies: Western-Sanctioned Airlines Launch Flights to Sukhumi

New, Research / /

On May 1, Russia commenced direct, regular flights to occupied Abkhazia. According to the Russian news agency RIA Novosti, UVT Aero operated its first flight from Moscow’s Vnukovo Airport to Sukhumi two days ahead of schedule “due to high demand.”

Flights between Russia and occupied Abkhazia violate both international aviation regulations and the Georgian Constitution:

UVT Aero, which is internationally sanctioned and operates flights to Sokhumi in violation of Georgia’s Law on Occupation, continues to fly to other parts of Georgia as well.

📝 Our new report reveals:

  • How the reconstruction of Sokhumi airport began in 2023;

  • How sanctioned Russian airlines are being granted flight permissions;

  • What kind of threat this precedent poses to Georgia’s sovereignty; and

  • How the Georgian government is involved in this process through its inaction.

Tap to see the full report

Russian Occupation Extends to Georgian Skies: Western-Sanctioned Airlines Launch Flights to Sukhumi Read More »

China Launches New Economic Cooperation with ASEAN and GCC

Newswire / /

China, together with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), announced new plans for economic cooperation during a trilateral summit held in Kuala Lumpur. This initiative comes in response to the high tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, which have heightened tensions in global trade.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang stated at the summit that ASEAN and the GCC will jointly establish a “vibrant economic circle.” This cooperation aims to strengthen free trade and promote the free flow of resources, technologies, and investments.

The trilateral summit, held in Malaysia’s capital, highlights the unity among countries of the Global South. The combined GDP of ASEAN, the GCC, and China stands at $24.87 trillion, with a total population of 2.15 billion, accounting for a quarter of the global economy. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim emphasized that this collaboration creates “tremendous opportunities” for innovation and investment.

China underlined the importance of free trade agreements. It was announced at the summit that the upgrade of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement has been completed, while negotiations for a GCC-China agreement are nearing conclusion. These developments aim to reduce dependence on the U.S. market and enhance the economic resilience of the Global South. China also seeks to deepen cooperation in areas such as the digital economy, green energy, and finance. Premier Li Qiang proposed a “deep strategic development” framework with ASEAN and GCC countries and encouraged the use of local currencies to reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar.

Under Malaysia’s chairmanship of ASEAN for 2025, the summit also addressed global challenges, including the 32–49% tariffs imposed by the U.S., which have significantly affected six ASEAN member states. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stated that ASEAN remains neutral but views cooperation with China as a “stable partnership”.

Other issues discussed at the summit included the civil war in Myanmar, where participants expressed support for bilateral solutions and ceasefire initiatives. China also backed Malaysia’s proposed Confucian-Islamic civilizations dialogue, aimed at fostering people-to-people exchanges and deeper civilizational integration.

China Launches New Economic Cooperation with ASEAN and GCC Read More »

China Urges Philippines to Cease Confrontation in South China Sea

Newswire / /

China has called on the Philippines to immediately halt “infringements and provocations” in the South China Sea, warning of a “resolute response” otherwise. The statement follows a collision between vessels of the two nations in disputed waters, sparking mutual accusations. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated that the “control measures” taken by China’s Coast Guard were lawful, while the Philippines’ actions threaten regional stability.

The incident, which occurred on May 22, followed the entry of Philippine vessels into disputed waters, prompting China’s Coast Guard to take “necessary measures,” including expelling the vessel. China claims these actions violate international law. Meanwhile, the Philippines accused China of “aggressive” behavior, a stance supported by the U.S. Ambassador to Manila, MaryKay Carlson, who described China’s actions as “life-threatening” and a “threat to regional stability.”

China urged the U.S. to stop using the Philippines to “stir up trouble” in the South China Sea. According to Mao Ning, U.S. involvement, including joint maritime exercises with the Philippines and Japan conducted this week, heightens regional tensions. These exercises, held for the first time, involved the Philippine and U.S. Coast Guards, as well as naval and air forces. China argues that such actions contradict the 2016 arbitral tribunal ruling, which deemed China’s historical claims in the South China Sea “baseless,” a decision China does not recognize.

China’s stance remains consistent: it rejects the Philippines’ provocations, asserting that its sovereignty over nearly the entire South China Sea is being violated. In April, Zhao Zhiwei, spokesperson for the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command, stated in response to a similar incident that the Philippines’ “illegal intrusion” into waters near Huangyan Island violates China’s sovereignty and international law. The PLA affirmed it remains “on constant high alert” to safeguard national security.

Joint exercises by the Philippines, the U.S., and Japan in disputed waters drew sharp criticism from China. China accuses the U.S. of sowing “discord” in the region, while the Philippines and other neighboring countries, including Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam, also claim parts of the South China Sea. This confrontation increases the risk of global tensions, particularly as China exerts growing economic and military influence in the region.

China Urges Philippines to Cease Confrontation in South China Sea Read More »

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