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Tinatin Khidasheli Participates in the Unlock Civic Summit 2025 in Prague

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We’re pleased to share that Tinatin Khidasheli, Chairperson of Civic IDEA, joined this year’s Unlock Civic Summit in Prague. 

As global democratic backsliding accelerates, and civil society in Georgia faces increasing pressure—from restrictions on independent media to the criminalization of international partnerships—Tinatin speaks on Georgia’s legacy of civic resistance and the ongoing fight for democratic values. 

“Don’t take anything for granted. Don’t think that we’ve already won our fight for freedom. Once you stop fighting, once you start taking democracy for granted, that’s when authoritarians hit,” heard the Unlock audience from Tinatin Khidasheli, the former Minister of Defence of Georgia and the head of the Civic IDEA think tank.

Over 200 activists and independent journalists are meeting at the Prague Centre’s flagship event in challenging times. The post-Cold War order can no longer be taken for granted. We have come together to respond to a world where Russia is forging authoritarian alliances and openly rejecting established international norms.

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China’s Diplomatic Maneuvers: Ukraine Ceasefire and the Pursuit of Global Influence

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China has voiced support for a 30-day ceasefire initiative in Ukraine, proposed by Kyiv, the United States, and Europe, aimed at creating space for diplomatic negotiations. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated that Beijing backs any efforts to promote peace and is ready to collaborate with the international community to resolve the “Ukraine crisis.” This position follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s call for major powers, including China and Turkey, to engage in resolving the conflict. China’s statement is a strategic maneuver to bolster its image as a global peacemaker while maintaining a neutral stance to avoid friction with Russia, its key partner. This move also seeks to improve ties with Europe amid high U.S. tariffs, though China’s close alignment with Russia raises questions about its impartiality, framing its diplomacy as a delicate balancing act.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, while rejecting the 30-day ceasefire, proposed direct negotiations with Ukraine without preconditions, a move European leaders (Britain, France, Germany, Poland) labeled as a rejection of their “ultimatum” to accept an unconditional truce or face increased sanctions and arms supplies. Lin Jian responded by affirming China’s support for all peace-promoting efforts, emphasizing that dialogue is the only path to a “fair, lasting, and binding” agreement. China’s cautious stance, avoiding direct criticism of Russia, reflects its intent to preserve stability with its primary economic and military partner. This approach allows China to position itself as a global leader facilitating peace, but its reluctance to pressure Russia limits its practical influence, highlighting its prioritization of strategic ties over decisive mediation.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated in March that a 30-day ceasefire could be used to draft a comprehensive peace plan, a proposal stemming from U.S.-led talks in Jeddah. Zelenskyy emphasized Ukraine’s support for the ceasefire but ruled out territorial concessions.China’s endorsement of this initiative aligns with Ukraine’s goals, yet its neutral posture, which avoids condemning Russia’s actions, limits its effectiveness as a mediator. China’s involvement appears more symbolic than substantive, as it seeks to enhance its global standing without taking steps that could jeopardize its relationship with Russia, a key ally in countering Western influence.

Lin Jian further reiterated that China supports all parties engaging in negotiations to achieve a “fair and lasting” agreement, expressing readiness to play a “constructive role.” This stance underscores China’s belief that dialogue and negotiations are the only viable solutions to the “Ukraine crisis.” China’s repeated emphasis on dialogue, without explicitly supporting any side, demonstrates its strategy to gain diplomatic leverage in the West while maintaining Russia’s support as a strategic partner. This dual approach reflects China’s broader geopolitical ambitions to strengthen its role as a global leader, though its influence on resolving the Ukraine conflict remains constrained by its loyalty to Russia.

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China and Russia vow to respond to the “US military threat” jointly

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On Thursday, China and Russia accused the United States of heightening the risk of nuclear war and pledged to work together to address emerging threats, underscoring the intensifying strategic confrontation between Beijing, Moscow, and Washington.

Following a meeting in Moscow between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, the two countries issued a joint statement focused on global strategic stability. In it, they condemned several U.S. policies, including the expansion of military alliances, the forward deployment of strategic weapons, the development of global missile defense systems like the “Golden Dome,” the militarization of space, and the sharing of nuclear technology with allied nations.

According to the statement, such U.S. actions seek “overwhelming military supremacy” and “absolute strategic security” and are “undermining global strategic stability, spurring an arms race and increasing conflict potential both among nuclear-weapon states and in the international arena as a whole.”

Xi Jinping emphasized that China and Russia have a “special responsibility” to stand up to power politics.

The statement further noted: “The two sides note with concern that against the backdrop of aggravation in the relations between nuclear-weapon states, which in some cases has escalated to the threat of a direct military clash, a critical mass of problems and challenges has accumulated in the strategic sphere, and the risk of nuclear conflict has increased.”

This statement was one of over 20 bilateral documents signed to strengthen the countries’ “no-limits” partnership during Xi’s visit, which coincided with Russia’s celebration of the 80th anniversary of Germany’s defeat in World War II.

Reflecting their shared security stance toward the U.S.-led West, the statement denounced the expansion of military alliances and coalitions by “some nuclear-weapon states” as one of “the most pressing strategic risks to be urgently addressed.” It also condemned the deployment of missiles in non-nuclear countries that target nuclear-armed states, declaring: “the two sides strongly condemn such provocative activities that undermine regional stability and global security.”

Russia has consistently opposed NATO’s eastward expansion after the Cold War, arguing it threatens Russian security and citing it as a justification for its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Meanwhile, China has criticized the U.S. push to form “small circles” of alliances in the Indo-Pacific and has objected to U.S. missile deployments near its borders, such as the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system in South Korea and the Typhoon missile system in the Philippines.

The statement specifically criticized the newly announced “Golden Dome for America” global missile defense system, which also includes space-based interception weapons. According to the statement, the “Golden Dome for America” system would also turn space into a battlefield.” The United States established its Space Force as a military branch in 2019 and officially designated space as a warfighting domain in 2020.

The statement also condemned the “use of commercial space systems to interfere in the internal affairs of sovereign states and armed conflicts involving third countries,” likely referring to the Starlink satellite internet system, operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, which has played a crucial communications role in the Ukraine conflict.

Lastly, the joint statement reaffirmed the importance of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and global conventions banning biological and chemical weapons. It accused the U.S. and its allies of engaging in “military biological activities” both at home and abroad.

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China and Russia Strengthen Strategic Partnership in Moscow

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Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Moscow on May 7 for a four-day state visit to attend the 80th anniversary celebrations of the victory over fascism and hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The visit, which includes the May 9 military parade, underscores the “deeply strategic” relationship between the two nations, aimed at countering global “hegemonism,” particularly in response to the U.S.’s “America First” policies. Xi, referred to by Putin as the “main guest,” emphasizes the need for China and Russia to jointly oppose “hegemony and power politics,” reflecting their united front amid shifting global alliances. This visit highlights the two authoritarian states’ efforts to bolster unity in a reconfiguring geopolitical landscape.

The visit takes place against the backdrop of the U.S. imposing 145% tariffs on Chinese goods and intensifying Western sanctions on Russia, pushing both nations to deepen economic and political cooperation. Bilateral trade reached a record $237 billion in 2024, with China becoming Russia’s primary supplier of oil, gas, vehicles, and electronics, supporting Moscow’s military-industrial complex. Analysts note that U.S. attempts to “reset” relations with Russia to drive a wedge between China and Russia are unlikely to succeed, as both countries benefit from this “highly asymmetric” partnership, with Russia increasingly reliant on China. This dynamic strengthens their mutual dependence but complicates China’s relations with Europe.

Among the invited guests are leaders from Brazil, Serbia, Slovakia, and other nations, reflecting Moscow’s efforts to present itself as a globally supported power despite Western attempts to isolate it. Putin described Xi’s visit as “special,” and the participation of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army honor guard in the parade symbolically reinforces the unity between the two nations. Analysis suggests that this event allows Russia to showcase its military might while enabling China to solidify its position as a global player, particularly as it navigates U.S. trade pressures and seeks to maintain influence in Asia and Europe.

In an article published in Russia’s Rossiyskaya Gazeta, Xi expressed gratitude to Moscow for supporting Taiwan’s reunification with China, emphasizing that this stance is part of the post-World War II international order. He further stated that China and Russia jointly oppose “power politics,” likely referring to the U.S.’s disruptive trade tariffs. Analysts suggest that these statements are aimed at improving ties with European nations to mitigate the impact of U.S. tariffs, though China’s close alignment with Russia risks eroding trust in Europe, especially given accusations of supporting Russia’s actions in Ukraine.

According to the Kremlin, Xi and Putin will discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation, including the Power of Siberia-2 gas pipeline project, the Ukraine conflict, and international issues such as support for Iran. Several agreements are expected to be signed, further solidifying economic and diplomatic ties between the two nations. Analysis indicates that China’s “neutral” stance on the Ukraine conflict, coupled with its economic support for Russia, complicates its relations with the West but enhances its role as an alternative global leader. This delicate balancing act underscores China’s strategic maneuvering in a multipolar world.

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US House of Representatives to consider new anti-China bills

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The U.S. House of Representatives will consider new legislative initiatives against China on May 6. The bills mainly deal with export controls, alleged human rights violations, national defense, and economic espionage.

The bill, introduced by McCormick in February 2025, would impose sanctions on individuals who engage in trade espionage, provide assistance to opposing militaries, or violate U.S. export laws.

Within 30 days of the enactment of this Act, the President of the United States is authorized to impose the following types of sanctions on persons convicted of economic espionage under this Act:

  1. Blocking of Property – Exercise of all powers granted to the President by the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to the extent necessary to block and prohibit all transactions involving property or interests in property of a foreign person, if such property or interests in property are located in the United States or are owned or controlled by a person resident in the United States.
  2. Ineligibility for Visas, Admissions, or Parole – Inadmissibility to the United States; Revocation of the right to a visa or other document to enter the United States; Cancellation of any visa or other document granting entry into the country, regardless of when the visa or other document was issued or whether it was issued.

The anti-China bills have bipartisan support, with Republicans actively blaming China for what they say is hindering Trump’s peace efforts in Ukraine. As Representative Brian Mast,  a Republican from Florida, put it, “the Chinese Communist Party is relentlessly undermining President Trump’s efforts to end Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.”

The “Falun Gong Protection Act,” introduced by Perry on February 24, 2025, that  is also being considered on May 6, would impose sanctions on Chinese individuals involved in the forced organ harvesting and other forms of violence against Falun Gong practitioners, a religious group considered a cult by Beijing. The sanctions are aimed at forcing the Chinese Communist Party to end any state-sponsored organ harvesting campaign.

In an effort to strengthen relations with Taiwan, a key concern of China, the House of Representatives is also considering amending the Taiwan Allies International Protection and Enhancement Initiative (TAIPEI) Act of 2019 to require the United States, as a member of any international organization, to oppose any attempt by the People’s Republic of China to resolve the issue of Taiwan’s status through procedural distortions, unlawful language, or policies. The amended bill would require the State Department to review U.S.-Taiwan relations and report back at least every five years. The Taiwan International Solidarity Act also requires the preparation of an annual report on China’s attempts to diplomatically isolate Taiwan and obliges US officials to call on international partners to resist, if necessary.

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China suggests that COVID-19 originated in the USA

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On April 18th, the official page of the White House launched a website about COVID-19, according to which, the coronavirus originated from a lab leak in China. The website also criticized the former US President, Joe Biden, a former top U.S. health official, Anthony Fauci, and the World Health Organization (WHO).

In the white paper published by Xinhua, China accused the United States of politicizing the subject of the origins of COVID-19 and used the Missouri lawsuit to prove its point, as a result of which a $24 billion obligation was imposed on China for covering up the outbreak and hoarding protective health equipment.

The document emphasizes that there is evidence that the Coronavirus existed in the United States earlier than the officially claimed timeline. Additionally, China talks about the neglect of the severity of the epidemic by the US government, which compared it to the common flu, as well as insisted that the coronavirus would disappear one day automatically. The white paper also underlines that such an attitude from the U.S. severed international cooperation, and the withholding of information by the state interfered with the research conducted by other countries and the WHO.

Apart from the above-mentioned, the Chinese side used the joint study of the WHO and China to prove the country’s innocence, according to which, the lab leak in China is “extremely unlikely”. China calls on the U.S. to respond to the legitimate concerns of the international community.

The renewed discussion around the origins of the coronavirus is a part of the heightened tensions between China and the United States, which is apparent in trade, as well as many other matters – in the context of increased competition between two countries, attention is focused on any issue that will help the parties gain an advantage.

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How Australia Responds to Decreasing Chinese Exports

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Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced that if his party wins the upcoming election, it will spend 1.2 billion Australian dollars (£580 million) to create a strategic reserve of critical minerals. This promise follows China’s decision to impose export restrictions on seven rare earth elements that are essential for the production of electric vehicles, fighter jets, and robots. Although China’s restrictions will affect all countries, the move is widely seen as a response to tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Rare earths refer to 17 chemical elements that are called “rare” not because they are scarce, but because they are difficult to extract and process. Elements such as samarium and terbium are essential for manufacturing technologies that will shape the future global market, from electric vehicles to high-tech weapons systems. Both China and Australia have rare earth deposits, but China controls about 90% of global processing, the stage that prepares minerals for use in technology. This distribution of resources gives China leverage over supply chains.

Experts point out that Washington’s inability to secure a reliable supply of rare earths has made the mineral issue one of the Trump administration’s main focuses, especially amid growing U.S.-China diplomatic tensions. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, between 2019 and 2022, 75% of the rare earths imported into the U.S. came from China. Notably, the United States and Ukraine have signed an “economic partnership agreement” that will give Washington access to Kyiv’s mineral resources in exchange for establishing an investment fund in Ukraine.

Philip Kirchlechner, director of Iron Ore Research, told the BBC that Western countries were late to recognize the importance of rare earths. This allowed China to quickly establish a monopoly over processing. In the expert’s view, increasing Australian reserves won’t matter much if China still controls the processing stage. Lithium, which is not classified as a rare earth but is essential for manufacturing batteries for electric vehicles and solar panels, is a good example. Australia produces 33% of the world’s lithium but processes only a small portion of it and exports the rest. China, meanwhile, mines 23% of the world’s lithium but processes 57% of it, according to the International Energy Agency.

Despite initiatives to boost Australia’s mining and processing capabilities, according to Washington’s Center for Strategic and International Studies, the country will likely remain dependent on Chinese processing at least until 2026. In articles published in Australian media, China’s ambassador in Canberra criticized Washington’s global trade policy and called on Australia to “join” Beijing. Australia quickly responded negatively to China’s appeal.

Australia is also leveraging its natural resources in negotiations with the Trump administration. For example, exports of several types of critical minerals have been exempted from the 10% tariff imposed on most Australian products.

Experts believe that Albanese’s plan is mainly aimed at protecting Australia and its allies from potential threats from China. Natixis chief economist Alicia García-Herrero told the BBC that Albanese’s strategy is “more sophisticated” compared to previous plans because it allows the country to supply its resources to international markets during times of economic tension.

In the context of reduced Chinese exports, García-Herrero said Australia will sell more minerals on the market, helping to ease price increases and weaken China’s influence. However, she also noted that Australia will not be able to fully replace China.

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Senate Confirms China Critic David Perdue as New US Ambassador to Beijing

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The US Senate on Tuesday confirmed longtime China critic David Perdue as the next US ambassador to China, a crucial position at a time of heightened tensions and an ongoing tariff battle between the world’s two largest economies. Perdue, 75, a former US senator from Georgia and seasoned business executive, was approved in a 67-29 vote with some bipartisan support. Known for viewing China as a global threat, Perdue now joins President Donald Trump’s China team, which is already dominated by hardliners.

During his April confirmation hearing, Perdue emphasized that the US must take a “nuanced, non-partisan and strategic” approach to China, describing the bilateral relationship as “the most consequential diplomatic challenge of the 21st century.” Still, much of the hearing revisited his long-held view that Beijing is engaging in “a new kind of war” against the US and poses a threat to the “current world order.”

Following his confirmation, China’s foreign ministry on Wednesday restated its “consistent and clear” position on China-US relations and trade. Previously, the ministry had declared China would “fight to the end” but kept the “door open” for dialogue, provided it is based on “equality, mutual respect, and reciprocity.”

When nominating Perdue in December, Trump described him as “instrumental” to preserving peace and fostering “a productive working relationship” with Chinese leaders. Trump also called Perdue “a loyal supporter and friend” in a social media post.

A 2019 report from the Beijing-based Grandview Institution labeled Perdue “anti-China” after he took on the key maritime role, warning that his appointment reflected a “growing trend of maritime containment against China that cannot be overlooked.” The report described him as “a proponent and practitioner” of the “China threat” theory, “a prominent hawkish representative” on defense and diplomacy, and “a sharp-minded businessman with a knack for crisis management.”

Beyond trade disputes, Washington and Beijing are also clashing over China’s military buildup and its pressure on Taiwan and US allies in the Indo-Pacific. While most nations, including the US, do not officially recognize Taiwan as independent, Washington opposes any attempt to seize the island by force and continues to supply it with weapons.

At his hearing, Perdue affirmed the US commitment to the one-China policy and vowed that one of his main goals as ambassador would be to tackle China’s export of precursor chemicals to Mexico, which cartels use to manufacture fentanyl for smuggling into the US.

In a September article in the Washington Examiner, a US conservative publication, Perdue argued that China is waging a “New War” against the US — an “existential” conflict beyond conventional warfare or Cold War rhetoric, one that will “determine whether the free world will … remain free.” He also labeled Chinese President Xi Jinping a “modern-day emperor” and accused China of seeking to “destroy capitalism and democracy.”

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China’s Global Influence: Maneuvers Near the Philippines

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China is actively expanding its global influence by showcasing military strength on the one hand, and deepening cooperation with other countries on the other. Near the Philippine coast in the South China Sea, its large warship Shandong is conducting eye-catching maneuvers, seen as a direct response to rising tensions with the United States and the Philippines. This strategy—demonstrating maritime power—reflects China’s attempt to reinforce its global standing, especially amid escalating tensions with the Philippines.

Off the northern coast of the Philippines, Shandong, China’s large aircraft carrier, accompanied by six smaller warships and two support vessels, passed twice through the Luzon Strait—an important maritime passage—between April 23 and 27. These maneuvers coincided with the Balikatan 2025 military exercises between the U.S. and the Philippines, involving 17,000 troops and rehearsing scenarios of potential conflict with China. Shandong’s aircraft carried out 130 take-offs and landings, clearly demonstrating China’s naval capabilities. This move was a response to the U.S. deployment of NMESIS in the Philippines, a modern missile system capable of striking ships up to 185 km away, perceived by China as an effort to limit its freedom of movement at sea.

Tensions in the South China Sea escalated further when China’s coast guard took control of the Tiexian Reef (also known as Sandy Cay) on April 26—a reef the Philippines claims as its territory. This small land formation is located near a Philippine military base on Thitu Island, deepening the disagreement. Meanwhile, during the Balikatan drills, the Philippines and the U.S. tested MADIS and SPYDER air defense systems, which successfully shot down drones. China’s Foreign Ministry declared that such exercises threaten regional peace, showing Beijing’s growing concern over closer U.S.-Philippine military cooperation. China’s actions aim to maintain its influence over regional waters

The Shandong maneuvers near Philippine shores were a response to the U.S. deployment of advanced weapons on Batanes Islands, capable of striking ships within a 185-km range. These weapons are seen as limiting China’s freedom to operate between the South China Sea and the Pacific Ocean. The move signals to China that the Philippines and the U.S. are prepared to counter its influence. Shandong’s operations, observed 789 km from Japan’s Miyako Island, underscore China’s ability to carry out rapid missions in distant waters. While increasing the risk of confrontation near the Philippines, China’s active military presence also shows its readiness to resist strategic pressure from the U.S. and its allies.

The Shandong group, deployed on April 21 after the start of Balikatan drills, was accompanied by the advanced destroyer Yan’an and the intelligence vessel Tianguanxing, which monitors adversary activities. These maneuvers responded to U.S. arms deployments in the Luzon Strait that threaten ships and restrict China’s maritime routes, especially those critical for energy supplies and military operations. With these steps, China seeks to protect freedom of navigation and uphold its influence. These developments occur against the backdrop of increased militarization of the South China Sea, where China continues to strengthen its artificial islands. The deployment of the Chinese naval group reveals its strategic priority—regional dominance—but at the cost of raising the risk of clashes, especially if U.S.-Philippine military cooperation continues.

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Washington Demands ‘Substantial Compromises’ from Beijing

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China’s commerce minister said U.S. tariffs have hit China Airlines and Boeing (BA.N) hard, and he hopes Washington will listen to the companies’ demands and concerns and work to create a stable trading environment.

U.S. planemaker Boeing has flown three 737 MAX jets based in China, which were meant to deliver goods to Chinese customers, back to the United States. Boeing said last week that several of its customers in China had indicated they would not accept new planes because of the tariffs, prompting the company to sell dozens of planes.

The Commerce Ministry stated that the U.S. tariffs had disrupted global trade chains, air transport, and investment activities and “significantly harmed Chinese airlines and Boeing.”

Washington has imposed tariffs of up to 145% on Chinese imports this year, bringing the effective tariff rate to about 156%. China is now facing tariffs of up to 245%, according to figures released by the White House. Meanwhile, Beijing has imposed new tariffs on American goods of up to 125%, on top of the tariffs already in place.

On April 25, US President Donald Trump tightened tariffs on China, saying he would not lift them unless Beijing offered “something substantial” in return. He also said he was unlikely to offer other countries another 90-day pause in tariffs.

Earlier, on April 23, the president of the United States told reporters that his administration would reach a “fair deal” with China and that negotiations with countries were going very well. Trump also noted that the time when other countries were lying to America and treating it unfairly is over; now, these countries want to be included and participate in the negotiations, including China and the European Union.

China responded to Trump’s speech three days later, once again denying that any type of negotiations with the United States regarding tariffs were underway, and stating that there had been no discussion of the issue between Xi Jinping and Trump.

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