Civicidea

Information campaign around the Azerbaijani-speaking villages of Kakheti

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The Civic Idea team visited the Azerbaijani-speaking villages of Kakheti as a part of  “My vote for EU” information campaign.

The campaign served to inform the population and strengthen electoral activism as well as to lead a dialogue with the villagers, to listen to their local problems and to raise awareness about the European future of Georgia.

Within the campaign, together with volunteers, we visited the following Azerbaijani-speaking villages: Karajala, Kabali, Ganjala, Yormughanlo.

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China’s youth unemployment rate has been declining.

Newswire / /

In September, the unemployment rate among young people aged 16 to 24 (excluding students) fell to 17.6%, down from 18.8% in August. Earlier this year, in June, the unemployment rate among young people and recent college graduates was 13.2%, but it surged to 17.1% in July.

This sharp increase was driven by the entry of approximately 12 million students into the labor market. The upward trend continued through August, peaking at 18.8%, marking the highest rate in 2024. In response, the National Bureau of Statistics decided to revise its methodology. 

Previously, the National Bureau of Statistics did not factor students into the calculation of the unemployment rate. However, after the rate hit a record 21.3% in June last year, the bureau chose to include the student population in its assessment. Despite these fluctuations, officials remain optimistic that China’s economy, the world’s second-largest, “will maintain a trend of stabilization and recovery” 

However, a separate official survey conducted in September on factory owners' confidence showed that many remain hesitant to hire new workers.

Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/china/chinas-sept-youth-jobless-rate-176-compared-with-188-august-2024-10-22/

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Xi Jinping has called on China’s missile forces to enhance their deterrence and combat capabilities

Newswire / /

On Saturday, the President of the People’s Republic of China inspected a brigade of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Missile Force, urging restraint while emphasizing the need for heightened military readiness. In his address, Xi called on personnel within the Strategic Missile Forces to “resolutely fulfill the tasks assigned by the Party and the people” according to state news agency Xinhua. 

The PLA Missile Force, responsible for overseeing China’s conventional and nuclear missiles, has been directed to modernize its nuclear arsenal in response to evolving global conditions, including U.S. missile defense advancements, improved surveillance systems, and strengthened alliances.

 Xi underscored the importance of “adhering to political directives, enhancing mission responsibility” and “advancing the high-quality development of force building” as reported by Chinese media outlet Cailianshe. 

Last month, China launched an intercontinental ballistic missile into the Pacific Ocean, drawing heightened international scrutiny on the nation’s expanding nuclear capabilities. 

It is also noteworthy that China has been conducting a large-scale anti-corruption campaign within its military since last year, resulting in several missile force generals stepping down from their positions in the national legislature.

Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/chinas-xi-urges-missile-troops-boost-deterrence-combat-capabilities-2024-10-19/

 

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“Civic Idea” monitors the 2024 parliamentary elections of Georgia.

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“Civic Idea” Monitors the 2024 parliamentary elections of Georgia. Within this initiative, the organization is conducting three-day  training in Kakheti Region.

Students, lawyers and civil society representatives will observe the elections in the Kakheti region, including Azerbaijani-speaking villages, in the name of the civil idea.

Our goal is to promote a fair and transparent election process!

“Civic Idea” monitors the 2024 parliamentary elections of Georgia. Read More »

China urges swift implementation of expansive financial policies

Newswire / /

China’s central bank, along with financial regulators, recently held meetings with major financial institutions, urging them to take immediate measures to bolster the economy and support capital markets.

The People’s Bank of China (PBOC) called on financial institutions to increase credit support to the real economy and ensure a stable growth of monetary supply and credit, according to a statement on the PBOC’s official website. The central bank also encouraged adjustments to interest rates and endorsed two financing schemes aimed at supporting the stock market.

The meeting, co-chaired by China’s banking and securities regulatory bodies, was attended by representatives from banks, brokerages, and stock companies. 

In late September, the PBOC implemented aggressive monetary measures to stabilize the property and stock markets in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. For the first time in its history, the central bank introduced two monetary policy instruments designed to support the stock market: a swap program for brokers, funds, and insurers, and a loan re-issuance facility to enable these institutions to purchase shares. 

The swift implementation of these tools is expected to help China achieve its targeted 5% economic growth for the year.

The PBOC stated it would “enhance inter-departmental coordination, create synergies, and fully leverage these tools to strengthen market confidence, improve public expectations, and promote sustainable economic recovery” 

It is noteworthy that recent data shows China’s economy grew by 4.6% in the third quarter of 2023.

source: https://www.reuters.com/markets/asia/china-urges-swift-implementation-expansive-financial-policies-2024-10-18/

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China urges India to handle Taiwan issue cautiously after Mumbai office opening

Newswire / /

Following the opening of Taiwan’s de facto consulate in Mumbai, China has urged India to exercise caution on matters related to Taiwan, warning against actions that could negatively impact the ongoing improvement of Sino-Indian relations. 

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, during a press conference, reiterated China’s firm opposition to any state’s official engagement with Taiwan. 

This statement came in response to the establishment of Taiwan’s de facto consulate in Mumbai, which has added tension to the bilateral relationship between China and India. 

Taiwanese authorities, in turn, reject China’s claims of sovereignty over the island and its representation in international affairs. 

“The One China principle is a significant political commitment for India and the political cornerstone of China-India relations” Mao Ning emphasized, urging India to honor its commitments, handle Taiwan-related matters prudently, and avoid engaging in any official ties with Taiwan.

Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/china-urges-india-handle-taiwan-issue-cautiously-after-mumbai-office-opening-2024-10-17/

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China is willing to be a partner and friend with the United States – Xi Jinping

Newswire / /

At the 2024 awards dinner hosted by the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations,
Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of relations between China and the
United States. He remarked that a strong partnership between the two nations is not a
hindrance, but rather an opportunity for mutual advancement.

Xi underscored China’s desire for a cooperative and friendly relationship with the U.S., one
that would not only benefit both countries but also have positive global ramifications, given
the significance of U.S.-China relations in shaping the future of humanity.

“China has always approached U.S.-China relations based on the principles of mutual
respect, peaceful coexistence, and mutually beneficial cooperation” Xi Jinping stated.

Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/xi-says-china-willing-be-partner-friend-with-us-state-media-reports-2024-10-16/

China is willing to be a partner and friend with the United States – Xi Jinping Read More »

Russian Ties of Georgian Dream Donors: Market Dependency and State-Favored Financial Benefits

Research / /

The purpose of this report is not to catalog all the donors of Georgian Dream (GD), which has been extensively covered by other organizations. Instead, our goal is to use factual evidence to show the public how the business interests and connections of the ruling party pose a serious threat to national security due to their deep ties with Russia. It is, therefore, no surprise that almost all major GD donors share two key characteristics: 

1. They are entirely dependent on Russia and the Russian market, with nearly all having double Russian / Georgian citizenship or a Russian citizen as a founder/partner or director. 

2. Direct connection with Bidzina Ivanishvili’s family.

Please see the full report.

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Civic IDEA’s Chairperson, Tinatin Khidasheli, participated in an expert panel titled “Georgia’s Elections: Between Authoritarianism and Democratic Renewal”

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Civic IDEA’s Chairperson, Tinatin Khidasheli, participated in an expert panel titled “Georgia’s Elections: Between Authoritarianism and Democratic Renewal” at Forum 2000 in Prague. Alongside Vasil Sikharulidze (Atlantic Council of Georgia) and Rostislav Valvoda (Prague Civil Society Centre), the panel explored the critical stakes in Georgia’s upcoming elections.

In less than two weeks, Georgians will head to the polls in decisive elections, likely to determine whether the country turns towards closer ties with the West or falls further under Russia’s influence

Georgia’s upcoming elections in late October are pivotal. The victory of the ruling party could severely limit the country’s aspirations for EU and NATO membership. The stakes are high, and a strong, well-informed monitoring mission is essential to assess the fairness of the election process. While Russian interference is highly probable, this election may also mark the first time we see significant involvement from the PRC, given its growing interests in the region. What are the latest developments and challenges? What is the situation in the ranks of Georgia’s pro-Western forces? What can we expect if the ruling party prevails in the polls? These were the questions that were discussed during the panel.

“There is a great share of the Georgian public wanting a change from the current policies that are indeed taking a Russian direction,” noted the Prague Civil Society Centre’s Executive Director, Rostislav Valvoda, during the panel.

Civic IDEA’s Chairperson, Tinatin Khidasheli, participated in an expert panel titled “Georgia’s Elections: Between Authoritarianism and Democratic Renewal” Read More »

Chinese manufacturers are planning to partially transfer the production of electric cars to Europe

Newswire / /

To boost sales of budget electric vehicles (EVs), several Chinese car manufacturers are considering relocating their production facilities to Europe. This strategy would allow them to circumvent the high tariffs imposed by the European Union on EVs imported from China.

This decision is driven by two key factors: 

1. The demand for electric vehicles in the Chinese domestic market is gradually declining. 

2. European countries have implemented high tariffs on Chinese EV imports, motivated by concerns that local manufacturers may struggle to compete with the influx of Chinese-made electric vehicles.

 Detailed insights into the plans of Chinese companies expanding into Europe:

CHERY AUTO 

Chery Auto, one of China’s leading exporters, has already taken significant steps toward collaborating with European firms. The company has officially signed a cooperation agreement with Spanish automaker EV Motors. According to Reuters, joint production of electric vehicles will begin this year. Additionally, Chery Auto is reportedly in talks with Italian and British partners. 

BYD

BYD, the world’s largest electric vehicle manufacturer, plans to shift nearly all production for the European market to Europe, with essential components sourced from factories in Hungary and Turkey. According to the company’s Vice President, Stella Li, only smaller parts will be imported from China.

LEAPMOTOR 

Chinese automaker Leapmotor announced its partnership with Stellantis in September. According to Stellantis’ CEO, Carlos Tavares, production of Leapmotor’s electric vehicles will take place at the Stellantis factory in Poland. 

SAIC MOTOR

SAIC Motor, China’s second-largest automotive exporter and a state-owned enterprise, is planning to establish an EV plant in France to meet the rising demand in the European market. The company already produces automotive parts in Amsterdam.

Source: https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/chinese-ev-makers-plans-make-cars-europe-2024-05-07/

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