Civicidea

US-China trade negotiations amid Trump-Xi Jinping Meeting

Newswire, ერთი ახალი ამბავი / /

U.S. and Chinese officials met in Paris on Monday, March 16th. The negotiations have been led by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, to finalize trade and agriculture proposals that could set the stage for a possible summit between President Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping later this month.

The talks focused on expanding Chinese purchases of U.S. farm goods, including soybeans, and creating new mechanisms to manage trade frictions. Reuters, citing sources familiar with the negotiations, said officials also discussed a possible “Board of Trade” and “Board of Investment” to address sector-specific issues.

The talks also addressed strategic supply chains. Reuters reported that U.S. officials raised access to Chinese critical minerals, including aerospace-grade yttrium, while urging Beijing to buy more Boeing aircraft and U.S. energy exports.

Still, broader geopolitical tensions threaten to overshadow the trade track. Trump said in an interview with the Financial Times, that he may delay the China trip unless Beijing helps efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz after conflict-related disruption sent fresh shockwaves through energy markets.

China has meanwhile kept a harder public line on U.S. trade pressure. In a statement carried by Xinhua News Agency, China’s commerce ministry said it had lodged representations with Washington over a new U.S. forced-labor-related trade probe and urged the United States to “correct its wrongdoings” and resolve disputes through dialogue and consultation. AP also reported that Beijing described the new U.S. investigation as damaging to global supply-chain stability.

The Paris talks appeared aimed more at stabilizing ties than achieving an immediate breakthrough. That suggests both sides are trying to preserve momentum in the relationship even as trade disputes and the Iran-linked energy crisis add new uncertainty.

Author: Mariam Simsive 

US-China trade negotiations amid Trump-Xi Jinping Meeting Read More »

China in the South Caucasus and Tajikistan (March 9 – 15)

Weekly news / /

Georgia

Ambassador of Georgia Takes Part in CRI Online Program

March 10

The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Georgia to the People’s Republic of China, Paata Kalandadze, gave an interview to CRI Online, the international online platform of China Media Group. The interview was conducted as part of the CRI (China Radio International) program “One On One with CRI Online”, within the special series “Ambassadors on the Two Sessions”.

During the interview, the significance of China’s “Two Sessions”, the country’s main development priorities, and issues related to the launch of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030) were discussed. The conversation also touched upon the development of Georgia-China bilateral relations, including trade and economic cooperation, tourism, education, and people-to-people exchanges.

Georgia tourism looks to China as regional tensions reshape market priorities

March 10

Speaking on BMGTV, Hotels Federation founder Shalva Alaverdashvili said Georgia should place greater emphasis on China and other Asian markets, as instability in the Middle East and security concerns among European travelers are undermining the country’s tourism appeal in Europe.

The shift comes from growing Georgia-China tourism ties, supported by the visa-free regime and expanded flights. Visits from China rose 83.4% in 2024 to 88,583 and increased by another 40.1% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2025.

Against this backdrop, Alaverdashvili called for stronger promotion in China and broader air connectivity.

Paata Kalandadze Presented Georgian Culture on Xinhua Net

March 10

The Ambassador of Georgia to China, Paata Kalandadze, took part in Xinhua Net’s cultural program, Chinese Banquet.

During the program, the Ambassador became acquainted with the traditional culinary culture of Guangdong, including the banquet Jiu Da Gui. He also spoke about Georgia’s centuries-old culture and traditions, its wine culture, the Georgian script, and the country’s tourism potential.

The program featured elements of Georgian culture, including the Georgian alphabet and culinary-themed content, while Xinhua Net’s project Chinese Banquet aims to showcase the cultures of different countries and promote friendly relations through cuisine.

Ambassador’s Meeting at the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China

March 11

Georgian ambassador to the People’s Republic of China, Paata Kalandadze, held a meeting with the Vice Minister of Culture and Tourism of the People’s Republic of China, Mr. Gao Zheng. During the meeting, the sides discussed cooperation in the field of culture between the two countries, as well as the implementation of important projects for the future development of bilateral relations in this field.

The parties also reviewed factors promoting tourism between the two countries and their positive impact on the growing number of Chinese tourists visiting Georgia.

Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan and China’s iSoftStone discuss digital economy cooperation

March 11

Azerbaijan’s Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov met Li Huang, executive vice president of Chinese technology company iSoftStone. The meeting focused on expanding Azerbaijan-China economic ties in the digital sphere.

According to Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Economy, the sides reviewed partnership opportunities in the digital economy, including the implementation of innovative technologies, the development of modern IT solutions and the use of artificial intelligence. Discussions also covered prospects for technology transfer and possible collaboration in building supply and value chains to support computer and electronic equipment production in Azerbaijan.

As Azerbaijan expands technology and industrial cooperation with China, digital transformation is becoming a key area of partnership.

13th Global Baku Forum Opens

March 12

The 13th Global Baku Forum opened in Baku, attended by around 400 political leaders, experts, and political representatives. Discussions focused on security, geopolitical developments, and multilateral cooperation.

Chinese participation featured in the forum’s agenda, including a March 13 panel on China and the Global Governance Initiative attended by Wu Hongbo, former Special Representative of the Chinese Government on European Affairs.

During the panel, participants discussed China’s Global Governance Initiative in the context of current international challenges. Azerbaijan’s Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov said the existing international order is facing serious pressure and described China’s initiative as a response aimed at supporting stability.

Other speakers said the initiative emphasizes sovereign equality, international law and multilateralism, and presented it as a platform for broader international dialogue.

AFEZ holds investment event in Beijing

March 12

The Alat Free Economic Zone Authority (AFEZ) held an investment event in Beijing aimed at attracting Chinese manufacturers to Azerbaijan’s Alat Free Economic Zone.

The event brought together more than 200 participants, including representatives of the China Overseas Development Association (CODA), Chinese companies, and Azerbaijani officials. During the meeting, AFEZ presented the zone’s investment conditions, infrastructure, and incentives, while participants discussed opportunities for industrial cooperation.

At the event, AFEZ and CODA signed a memorandum of understanding to support future cooperation and promote Chinese investment in the zone.

AFEZ also noted that Sichuan Sunsync Photovoltaic Technology Co., Ltd., the first Chinese company registered in the zone, plans to establish a solar panel manufacturing complex there.

ANAMA delegation visits China

March 13

A delegation from Azerbaijan’s Mine Action Agency (ANAMA), headed by Chairman of the Board Vugar Suleymanov, conducted a working visit to China from 9 to 13 March, focused on advancing bilateral cooperation in the field of humanitarian demining.

During the visit, an ANAMA delegation visited the Arms Control Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China. The Azerbaijani delegation also held a meeting at the People’s Liberation Army Engineering University in Nanjing, and with leading Chinese companies specializing in mine-clearance and security technologies, including NORINCO, Nuctech, and Beijing Heweiyongtai Sci & Tech.

Discussions focused on the implementation of the memorandum on humanitarian demining cooperation within the framework of the broader Azerbaijan-China comprehensive strategic partnership, as well as on the application of advanced technical solutions.

The delegation reviewed a range of equipment, including mine-clearance machinery, explosive ordnance disposal robots, mine-detection drones, and X-ray systems for explosive ordnance detection, while also examining Chinese training and research capacities in this field.

The visit reflected Azerbaijan’s efforts to strengthen its institutional and technical demining capabilities.

Chinese ambassador says Azerbaijan ties are gaining momentum

March 13

Lu Mei, the Chinese Ambassador to Azerbaijan, stated at a briefing that the Chinese Embassy in Azerbaijan will continue to expand opportunities for learning the Chinese language and exploring Chinese culture.

Lu Mei also said that bilateral relations have shown strong momentum since the beginning of 2026, highlighting intensified diplomatic engagement and expanding cooperation, and stated that China is ready to deepen strategic ties with Azerbaijan regardless of international changes.

Lu also said the two countries should expand cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, strengthen humanitarian and institutional exchanges, and support multilateralism and the UN-centered international order.

She added that Beijing is ready to support Azerbaijan in hosting this year’s CICA (Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia) summit.

Armenia

Chinese analyst says Armenia could become a link between Asia and Europe

March 11

In an interview published by Armenpress, Shen Shiwei, founder of the China Briefing newsletter and a Beijing-based political and economic analyst, said Armenia could become a key land hub linking Asia and Europe as China-Armenia ties deepen.

According to Shen Shiwei, the establishment of a China-Armenia strategic partnership in 2025 had raised bilateral relations to a new level and created a stronger political foundation for expanding trade, investment and broader economic cooperation.

He argued that Armenia’s “Crossroads of Peace” initiative aligns with China’s vision of regional connectivity and could open new opportunities in transport infrastructure, cross-border logistics and customs facilitation.

According to Shen Shiwei, Armenia could also strengthen its role in the Middle Corridor and broader Eurasian logistics networks if it improves its transport infrastructure and maintains a stable policy environment.

He added that sectors such as infrastructure, logistics, agriculture, tourism and educational cooperation in high-tech fields hold strong potential for future China-Armenia cooperation.

He also pointed to mutual visa exemption and direct flights as factors that could support stronger tourism and people-to-people ties between the two countries.

Tajikistan

China to finance nine border facilities on the Tajikistan-Afghanistan border

March 11

China will finance the construction of nine border facilities along Tajikistan’s border with Afghanistan under a grant worth 569 million somoni, according to parliamentary documents cited by Asia-Plus on March 11.

Tajikistan’s lower chamber approved the agreement on March 4. Officials said the project is aimed at strengthening the technical capacity of the Border Troops.

The facilities will cover more than 17,000 square meters. China will also provide design work, equipment, construction materials, and technical specialists. Supporting infrastructure, including roads, water, drainage, and electricity systems, is also planned.

Authorities have not disclosed the exact locations of the sites.

The project follows an earlier Chinese-funded phase in 2017-2018, when 12 border facilities were built in areas near Afghanistan.

Tajik foreign minister met the Chinese ambassador

March 13

Tajik Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Muhriddin held talks with China’s ambassador to Tajikistan, Guo Zhijun, with the two sides discussing the current state of bilateral relations and prospects for further cooperation, according to Tajikistan’s Foreign Ministry.

The ministry said the meeting also covered regional and international issues, reflecting continued diplomatic engagement between Dushanbe and Beijing while broader geopolitical attention is paid to Central Asia.

China in the South Caucasus and Tajikistan (March 9 – 15) Read More »

China condemns new U.S. trade probes ahead of Paris talks

Newswire, ერთი ახალი ამბავი / /

On March 13, China sharply criticized a new U.S. trade investigation targeting alleged industrial overcapacity and forced labor, warning it could take countermeasures just days before senior officials from both countries are due to meet in Paris for another round of economic talks.

The dispute adds fresh strain to an already fragile thaw in U.S.-China relations, as Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng is expected to meet U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in Paris on March 15-16. The talks are widely seen as groundwork for a planned visit by U.S. President Donald Trump to Beijing starting March 31, although Beijing has not publicly confirmed that trip.

Beijing’s criticism came after the United States launched Section 301 investigations into alleged industrial overcapacity and failures by foreign governments to prevent goods made with forced labor from entering supply chains. In a March 11 notice, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative said it would examine whether such practices are “unreasonable or discriminatory” and burden U.S. commerce, with China among the economies named in both probes.

China’s Commerce Ministry, said Washington had no right to make unilateral judgments about whether another country has “overcapacity,” and warned the U.S. action could seriously undermine the international economic and trade order. Beijing said it was assessing the measures and reserved the right to defend its interests.

China’s Foreign Ministry rejected the forced-labor allegations. At a regular press briefing, spokesperson Guo Jiakun said China opposes all forms of unilateral tariff measures and argued that tariff and trade wars serve neither side’s interests. He also called the forced-labor accusation “a lie concocted by the U.S.” and accused Washington of politicizing the issue.

Despite the rhetorical escalation, both sides are moving ahead with face-to-face talks in France, with China’s Commerce Ministry confirming He Lifeng’s visit from March 14 to 17. According to the South China Morning Post, the Paris talks are expected to cover key trade issues and could produce outcomes that pave the way for the next Trump-Xi meeting, underscoring that both governments continue to prepare for dialogue despite broader geopolitical tensions.

Whether the new Section 301 probes will harden positions in Paris or become another bargaining chip remains unclear. For now, they underscore that dialogue and confrontation continue in parallel in U.S.-China relations.

Author: Mariam Simsive

 

China condemns new U.S. trade probes ahead of Paris talks Read More »

U.S. Launches New Trade Investigation Against China

Newswire, ერთი ახალი ამბავი / /

On March 11, the United States launched a new trade investigation under Section 301 concerning China’s industrial overcapacity.

According to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, the aim of the investigation is to determine whether the policies and practices of China and 15 other economies related to “structural overcapacity and excess production capacity” are unreasonable or discriminatory and whether they harm U.S. commerce.

Washington said that consultations with the relevant governments will take place as part of the process. Public comments may be submitted until April 15, while hearings will begin on May 5.

The U.S. government made this decision at a time when manufacturers in China’s export hubs were reporting increased activity amid the temporary reduction of U.S. tariffs. In particular, according to Reuters, some factories were trying to make the most of the temporary relief, accelerating both product shipments and expansion plans.

According to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, these investigations are part of the Trump administration’s broader economic policy aimed at strengthening domestic manufacturing capacity and curbing foreign overproduction.

At the same time, this step indicates that despite the temporary easing of tariffs, Washington continues to employ new mechanisms of pressure in its trade confrontation with China.

Author: Mariam Simsive

U.S. Launches New Trade Investigation Against China Read More »

Wang Yi Talks About International Stability Amid Deepening Cooperation with Russia

Newswire, ერთი ახალი ამბავი / /

On March 8, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi outlined Beijing’s diplomatic priorities during a press conference on the sidelines of the annual session of the National People’s Congress, addressing global conflicts, relations with major powers, cooperation with Africa, and the protection of Chinese citizens abroad.

Addressing the escalating conflict involving Iran, Wang called for an immediate halt to military operations and warned against further escalation in the Middle East. He described the war as one that ’’should not have happened’’, emphasizing that armed confrontation would only deepen regional instability.

China urged respect for national sovereignty, opposition to the use of force, and non-interference in the internal affairs of regional countries as key principles for resolving the crisis. According to Wang, civilians must be protected and diplomacy should replace military confrontation.

During a press conference, Wang also highlighted that U.S.-China relations remain a top priority for Beijing. He said maintaining communication between the world’s two largest economies is essential to avoid misunderstandings and global instability. According to Wang, both sides must manage differences carefully and pursue dialogue to maintain constructive engagement.

He also noted that upcoming meetings between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump could focus on stabilizing relations, preserving economic cooperation, and preventing further escalation in global conflicts. Wang framed the talks as ’’vital’’ for both bilateral relations and broader international stability.

Wang also reaffirmed the strength of relations between China and Russia, describing the bilateral partnership as stable despite global tensions. He said the China-Russia strategic partnership reflects a new model of international relations based on equality, respect and mutual benefit.

The two countries have maintained close diplomatic coordination, including a recent phone conversation between Wang and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov discussing international security developments and the situation surrounding Iran.

During the briefing, Wang emphasized that China’s partnership with African countries remains a key pillar of its foreign policy. China plans to deepen economic and cultural ties with the continent, including the introduction of zero tariffs on all tariff lines for African countries starting May 1.

Wang also stressed that protecting Chinese citizens and business interests overseas remains a central task of China’s diplomatic service. He said Beijing will continue improving mechanisms that ensure the safety and support of Chinese nationals working or traveling abroad.

’’Where there is the Chinese flag flying, there are Chinese diplomats on duty’’, Wang said, adding that the government remains committed to assisting citizens wherever they may face difficulties overseas.

By supporting negotiations in global conflicts, deepening cooperation with Russia, and expanding partnerships with African countries, Beijing seeks to increase its role in international politics. However, according to Reuters, China’s diplomatic position often represents a strategic balancing among global powers. Although Beijing emphasizes negotiations and economic cooperation, it simultaneously maintains close partnerships with countries such as Russia, which contributes to the emergence of new geopolitical dynamics in the international security environment.

Author: Mariam Simsive

Wang Yi Talks About International Stability Amid Deepening Cooperation with Russia Read More »

China in the South Caucasus and Uzbekistan (March 2-8)

Weekly news / /

Georgia

Georgian Ambassador Meets Representative of China’s Parliament

March 2

On February 27, Georgia’s Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China, Paata Kalandadze, held a meeting with Wang Wen, Director General of the Foreign Affairs Bureau of the General Office of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China. Information about the meeting was published by the Embassy of Georgia on March 2.

During the meeting, the parties discussed issues related to deepening bilateral relations between Georgia and China. Particular attention was paid to the prospects for strengthening cooperation between the legislative bodies of the two countries.

The sides emphasized the importance of strengthening ties in the parliamentary sphere, which, in their assessment, would contribute to the further development of bilateral relations.

Chinese companies deepen role in Georgia’s wind energy sector

March 3

Chinese companies are strengthening their presence in Georgia’s renewable energy sector through the construction of the Ruisi wind farm, the country’s largest wind power project currently under development. Information about the above was published on March 3 on Xinhua News Agency.

Located near Gori in central Georgia, the 206-megawatt project is being built with the participation of Chinese wind turbine manufacturer Goldwind, which is supplying turbines and taking part in construction, as well as future operation and maintenance.

Despite harsh winter weather and difficult construction conditions, the project has continued to advance. Once completed, the wind farm is expected to provide electricity for around 200,000 households and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by about 400,000 tons annually.

The project highlights growing China-Georgia cooperation in the energy sector, as Georgia looks to expand its renewable power capacity in the coming years.

The opening sessions of China’s “Two Sessions” were held in Beijing

March 5

On March 4-5, the opening meetings of China’s “Two Sessions” were held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. On March 4, the Fourth Session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference opened, while on March 5, the Fourth Session of the 14th National People’s Congress commenced.

The “Two Sessions” constitute one of the most important annual political events in China. Within this framework, the annual sessions of the country’s highest legislative body and highest political consultative body are held, during which the main directions of the country’s development, the priorities of economic and social policy, the state budget, as well as other important legislative and governmental matters are discussed.

The 2026 sessions address the country’s economic and social development priorities, including the outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development (2026-2030).

Representatives of diplomatic missions accredited to China were invited to attend the opening meetings. The Ambassador of Georgia to the People’s Republic of China, Mr. Paata Kalandadze, attended the events as a guest of honor.

Georgian Ambassador Meets China-CEEC Secretariat

March 6

On March 6, Paata Kalandadze, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Georgia, held a meeting with H.E. Ambassador Chen Guoyou, the Special Representative for China-CEEC Cooperation Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PRC.

The discussion focused on the prospects of Georgia’s active engagement within the China-CEEC framework, highlighting the country’s strategic role in the development of the Middle Corridor. The meeting also addressed future cooperation Dynamics.

Azerbaijan

Chinese Embassy in Baku receives citizens evacuated from Iran

March 3

The Chinese Embassy in Azerbaijan received Chinese citizens evacuated from Iran and assisted them in returning safely to their homeland. According to Xinhua, on March 3, 48 Chinese citizens were transported to the Caspian Business Hotel in Baku after arriving in Azerbaijan as part of the evacuation from Iran.

The outlet reported that, in recent days, more than 260 Chinese citizens in total have crossed from Iran into Azerbaijan. The process was coordinated by the Chinese Embassy in Azerbaijan.

The Xinhua News Agency report notes that the Azerbaijani government provided significant support to Beijing in facilitating the entry of Chinese citizens into the country. According to the Chinese ambassador, this cooperation reflects the strategic partnership between China and Azerbaijan.

AZERTAC, Xinhua highlight long-standing media partnership

March 6

Azerbaijan’s state news agency AZERTAC and China’s Xinhua News Agency have hailed their 23-year cooperation as an example of strong media partnership.

During a meeting on March 6, in Baku, AZERTAC Chairman Vugar Aliyev and Xinhua Eurasia Bureau Deputy Director Wei Kang discussed long-standing ties, information exchange, and future cooperation. The sides said their partnership reflects broader Azerbaijan-China relations and stressed the importance of fighting fake news and promoting objective reporting.

Armenia

Armenia Served as an evacuation route for Chinese Citizens Leaving Iran

March 4

On March 4, China’s Foreign Ministry said Chinese nationals leaving Iran could evacuate through several neighboring countries, including Armenia via the Agarak border crossing. Beijing also noted that Chinese citizens could enter Armenia visa-free with passports. Chinese diplomatic missions were deployed to the border crossings to assist evacuees.

Uzbekistan

A China-Uzbekistan Business Forum Was Held in Tashkent

March 3

On March 3, Chinese and Uzbek representatives held a business forum in Tashkent aimed at deepening bilateral trade and investment ties.

The forum had been presented in advance by Uzbekistan’s Investment Ministry as a platform for direct dialogue between the business communities of Uzbekistan and China, with discussions expected to focus on investment potential, industrial cooperation, and practical steps for joint projects.

According to Eurasianet, Chinese executives nevertheless held meetings with Uzbek counterparts from the Investment Ministry, Agriculture Ministry, and Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

China in the South Caucasus and Uzbekistan (March 2-8) Read More »

U.S. Sides With China and Russia on UN Nuclear Safety Resolution

Newswire, ერთი ახალი ამბავი / /

On March 5, during a meeting of the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the United States took the same position as China and Russia for the first time, declining to support a resolution that warned about nuclear safety risks resulting from attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.

The U.S. interim representative to the agency, Howard Solomon, stated that Washington recognizes the risks created by attacks on Ukraine’s energy system and supports measures aimed at ensuring the safety of nuclear power plants. However, he said the United States could not support a resolution that ’’would not help achieve peace between Ukraine and Russia’’.

China also did not support the resolution. On issues related to the Ukraine conflict, including nuclear safety, Beijing has traditionally emphasized the importance of resolving the conflict through diplomatic means and dialogue.

In particular, representatives of China’s Foreign Ministry stated several times in 2026 that Beijing supports all international efforts aimed at a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine crisis and believes that ’’dialogue and negotiations are the only way to resolve the crisis’’.

According to China’s official position, the safety of nuclear facilities is a shared responsibility of the international community, and actions that could increase nuclear risks or escalate the conflict must be avoided. Beijing also states that it is not a party to the conflict and seeks to maintain what it describes as an ’’objective and impartial position’’.

Thus, it appears that on international platforms, China seeks to maintain a neutral stance, supports negotiations and de-escalation, and rarely directly blames any party in its official statements.

Ultimately, the resolution was adopted by a majority vote. The issue remains especially significant in the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine, as attacks on the country’s energy infrastructure have repeatedly raised concerns about the safety of its nuclear power plants.

According to Reuters, the U.S. decision reflects the diplomatic complexities that currently shape both the convergence and divergence of major powers’ interests within international institutions.

Author: Mariam Simsive 

U.S. Sides With China and Russia on UN Nuclear Safety Resolution Read More »

Another attack on Tinatin Khidasheli and Civic IDEA

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Tbilisi Mayor and Secretary General of Georgian Dream Kakha Kaladze erupted in fury after former Defense Minister and Civic IDEA chair Tinatin Khidasheli publicly flagged a non-accredited institution in Georgia, citing its alleged ties to Iran’s political-religious elite and demanding transparency from authorities. Rather than refute her claims, he lashed out, accusing her of treason, foreign meddling, and, most revealingly,  branding her and fellow critics as “the biggest terrorists in this country,” urging state bodies to act.

This explosive reaction was triggered by The Hill’s article “Georgia is Becoming a Hub for Iran to Circumvent Sanctions”, which is based on Civic IDEA’s research on surging Iranian companies and networks. This once again highlights the critical value of Western media partnerships in exposing uncomfortable truths and amplifying independent voices.

Kaladze’s reaction is striking as his party is recklessly showing off its pro-Iran leanings these days. Just days ago, it openly mourned Iran’s supreme leader and people amid the Middle East escalation, all while posturing as a neutral bystander.

Giorgi Volski, Georgia’s Parliament First Deputy Speaker, also dismissed Civic IDEA’s report and The Hill article on Iranian sanction evasion via Georgia as baseless fiction, “no such fact exists, nor will it”, while accusing the researchers of foreign-dictated immorality aimed at deteriorating the country. His knee-jerk obscure denial only attacked the source and ignored the substance.

Meanwhile, Georgian Dream’s denialist duo, Parliament First Deputy Speaker Giorgi Volski and Vice Speaker Nino Tsilosani, sprang into action very quickly. Volski flatly declared Civic IDEA’s report and The Hill article “baseless fiction” that “does not exist in reality,” accusing researchers of foreign-dictated “immorality” bent on wrecking Georgia, while Tsilosani branded it “complete disinformation” funded by “Nazi” lobbies (seems like a group is having a trouble deciding between “terrorists”, “Nazis”, and “multi-ranking agent” as a defamating insult). Tsilosani’s warning Khidasheli and Gigauri could “torch the country despite Iran trade being a measly 1.36% of imports”. Georgian Dream is panicking and it shows since being cornered by facts, all they’re doing is screaming “conspiracy” and hope the nonsense sticks.

Khidasheli’s comments were grounded in evidence-based research by Hudson Institute and obviously, Civic IDEA’s own recent report Behind the Barrels: Iranian Oil and Political Ties in Georgia. That report documented how economic and political links between Iranian entities and interests in Georgia, particularly around the importation of Iranian petroleum products and associated networks, raise real concerns about transparency, national sovereignty, and sanctions compliance. 

Old Tricks, Fresh Narrative

This specific incident is, of course, not an isolated flare-up but part of a broader pattern of political pressure on civil society. For many months, senior state officials have pursued a campaign to discredit NGOs, portraying them as agents of foreign interests.

Most recently, the Speaker of Parliament, Shalva Papuashvili, openly accused Civic IDEA and its leadership of serving as vehicles for “European money… against Georgia’s interests” to influence foreign policy, without offering any evidence to support these claims.

The most recent attack on Tinatin and Civic IDEA was due to our China reports (1; 2; 3; etc).

These attacks coincide with yet another new legislation targeting civil society. The Georgian Parliament has passed amendments expanding government control over foreign funding, grants, political activity, and external lobbying. The new law broadens the definition of a “grant” to include nearly any financial or in-kind support that could influence Georgian policy or public life. Receiving such funds without prior government approval now carries criminal penalties, including imprisonment. These provisions are following a textbook trajectory of Russia in 2012 and later crackdowns in Belarus, where administrative burdens, public labelling and criminal liability steadily shrank civic space. They did this by putting independent organizations and media at risk of arbitrary prosecution, restrict democratic space, and stifle dissent.

For readers seeking the full context behind these discussions, Civic IDEA’s two major investigative reports—“Georgian Dream’s Anti-Western Policy: How Iranian Companies Are Using Georgia to Bypass Sanctions” and “Behind the Barrels: Iranian Oil and Political Ties in Georgia”—have been central in driving public debate and exposing key economic and political linkages with Iran.

Another attack on Tinatin Khidasheli and Civic IDEA Read More »

EU to Strengthen Local Production, Reduce Reliance on China

Newswire, ერთი ახალი ამბავი / /

On March 4, the European Commission put forward a new industrial policy proposal aimed at boosting EU manufacturing and reducing dependency on Chinese imports. The plan is called the Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA).

Under this proposal, companies seeking to participate in public procurement or receive subsidies would be required to meet a minimum share of locally produced components. The rules would particularly apply to sectors critical to the green transition, including steel, aluminium, cement, wind turbines, and electric vehicles, areas where China is a major global supplier.

According to European Union officials, the initiative aims to strengthen EU industrial capacity, increase economic autonomy, and promote domestic production of green technologies.

The proposal has generated differing views among EU member states and business groups. Supporters argue that local content requirements are already in place in major economies such as the United States, China, Brazil, and India, and that similar measures help protect and develop domestic manufacturing. They contend that the EU should adopt a comparable approach to maintain competitiveness and strengthen strategic sectors.

Critics warn that strict rules could heighten trade tensions with partner countries and have a negative impact on the investment climate, including reducing opportunities to attract foreign capital.

The initiative is seen as a significant shift in EU trade policy, particularly in the context of economic relations with China. Currently, a substantial share of the EU’s green technologies depends on Chinese imports, giving the issue strategic importance.

Analysts say that the final content of the legislation and its practical implementation mechanisms will determine whether the EU can strengthen industrial resilience and economic autonomy without simultaneously intensifying trade tensions with Beijing.

The initiative will continue to be discussed between the European Parliament and member states, a process that will shape the future direction of the EU’s economic strategy amid global competition and geoeconomic shifts.

EU to Strengthen Local Production, Reduce Reliance on China Read More »

The Hill – “Georgia is becoming Iran’s sanctions evasion hub.”

New / /

On February 26, the American newspaper The Hill published an article titled: “Georgia is becoming Iran’s sanctions evasion hub.” The article discusses the growing involvement and business operations of individuals and companies linked to the Islamic Republic of Iran. The author also highlights frequent diplomatic exchanges between Georgian Dream and the Islamic Republic.

The author concludes that Georgia, which was once America’s closest partner in the South Caucasus, is creating a favorable environment for hostile influences and for evading international sanctions. Therefore, Washington should clearly demonstrate that the actions of Georgian Dream will have consequences.

It is noteworthy that in analyzing the economic interests of the Islamic Republic in Georgia, the author cites a new study by Civic IDEA titled “Behind The Barrels: Iranian Oil and Political Ties in Georgia.”

For more details, please see the full article:

Georgia is becoming Iran’s sanctions evasion hub.

The Hill – “Georgia is becoming Iran’s sanctions evasion hub.” Read More »

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