China in the South Caucasus and Kyrgyzstan (18-24 May)
“TAV Georgia” works on expanding direct flights at Routes Europe 2026
18 May
Georgia is planning to further tap into the Chinese aviation market by exploring new routes. At the international aviation forum Routes Europe 2026 in Rimini, Italy, TAV Georgia, the operator of Tbilisi and Batumi airports, is holding active negotiations with Chinese airlines.
Among around 20 scheduled meetings at the forum, China is a key priority within the strategy of market diversification, which has become even more relevant amid the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.
According to TAV Georgia’s General Manager Tea Zakaradze, flights from Tbilisi to several Chinese destinations already operate, and direct flights to Shanghai are planned to start in July. Demand in this market remains high, so engagement with China will continue actively.
Alongside Chinese carriers, the Georgian delegation is also in talks with European and Middle Eastern airlines. The forum brings together over 100 airlines and airports from 65 countries and runs until 20 May.
Shalva Papuashvili meets Wang Huning, Chairman of the Chinese Political Consultative Conference
18 May
During an official visit to China, Speaker of the Georgian Parliament Shalva Papuashvili met Wang Huning, a member of the Politburo Standing Committee and Chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference.
Papuashvili said Tbilisi and Beijing share principles of sovereignty, peace, and security, and support strengthening international law and equality in international relations. The Chinese side reaffirmed its support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The meeting focused on expanding economic and trade cooperation, as well as strengthening ties in tourism, education, innovation, culture, and parliamentary relations. The importance of a free trade agreement was also discussed.
Both sides highlighted the importance of transport, logistics, and connectivity projects amid global turbulence, including the Belt and Road Initiative and the Middle Corridor. Both parties expressed readiness to deepen relations further.
Visit of Shalva Papuashvili to China: meeting with Zhao Leji
18 May
As part of his official visit to China, on 18 May, Shalva Papuashvili, Chairman of the Parliament of the ruling “Georgian Dream” party, met with Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress.
The parties identified the main focus of their talks as expanding the strategic partnership and political dialogue between Georgia and China. Attention was given to deepening cooperation in trade, tourism, education, modern technologies, and culture.
During the meeting, it was noted that the two countries are already connected by significant legal and economic frameworks, including a free trade agreement and a visa-free regime, which, according to official assessments, contribute to the growth of trade and tourism flows.
The sides emphasized the importance of the principles of international law amid global instability. According to Papuashvili, the Parliament of Georgia pays special attention to parliamentary diplomacy, which is actively developing between the Parliament of Georgia and the National People’s Congress of China.
In official Chinese statements, it was noted that Georgia-China relations have entered a “new stage”, while Beijing reaffirmed its support for Georgia’s sovereignty and independence. In response, Papuashvili stated that Georgia continues to support the “One China principle” and will actively participate in global development initiatives.
Papuashvili speaks at China Foreign Affairs University
19 May
On 19 May, Shalva Papuashvili, Chairman of the Parliament of Georgia, delivered a lecture at the China Foreign Affairs University (CFAU) in China.
The university, located in Beijing and affiliated with China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is regarded as a “cradle of Chinese diplomats” and trains specialists in diplomacy, international relations, and international law.
In his speech, Papuashvili highlighted the significance of the first visit of a Georgian parliamentary delegation to China and the growing strategic partnership between the two countries. He stated that, amid global transformations, Georgia is an “island of peace and development”.
The Speaker of Parliament also spoke about the government’s efforts to protect national interests and sovereignty, Georgia’s strategic geographic location, and its connectivity potential.
The meeting took place within the framework of Shalva Papuashvili’s official visit to China.
Papuashvili’s meeting with Shaanxi Provincial leadership
20 May
During his visit, Papuashvili met Zhao Yide, Secretary of the Shaanxi Provincial Committee and Chairman of the Shaanxi People’s Congress Standing Committee.
The sides discussed Georgia-China relations and prospects for strengthening the strategic partnership. Papuashvili emphasized Shaanxi’s historical and economic significance, noting the successful integration of ancient civilization and modern technology.
The meeting highlighted the importance of cooperation at both local and regional levels. The sides positively assessed the intensification of the twinning process between Georgian and Chinese cities and expressed readiness to deepen institutional, cultural, and educational ties.
Papuashvili summarizes the results of the China visit
20 May
The Chairman of the Parliament of Georgia, Shalva Papuashvili, summarized the results of his official visit to China and told journalists on 20 May that relations between the two countries are at a “historically high level”.
He noted that this is the first official visit by a Speaker of the Georgian Parliament to China in the past 20 years, which, according to him, underlines the historical importance of the visit.
Papuashvili said that Georgia and China have been strategic partners for several years, and that visa-free travel and a free trade agreement are already in place, contributing to growth in trade, tourism, and direct flights.
In the assessment of the “Georgian Dream” parliamentary speaker, Tbilisi and Beijing share “absolutely identical approaches” regarding peaceful coexistence and respect for international law.
Papuashvili’s visit once again indicates that China remains an active direction in Georgia’s foreign policy agenda, as evidenced by the recent increase in official visits by Georgian high-level officials and parliamentary delegations to China.
Ilham Aliyev meets Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqi
18 May
On 18 May, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received Zhang Guoqi, Vice Premier of the State Council of China. The sides discussed prospects for deepening cooperation in political, economic, transport, and other fields.
The Chinese side conveyed greetings from Chinese President Xi Jinping to President Aliyev and noted that Xi Jinping considers him a friend of China. In turn, the Azerbaijani president expressed gratitude for the conveyed greetings.
During the meeting, attention was also given to the World Urban Forum 13, held in Baku and dedicated to global urbanization and city development issues. The Chinese side thanked Azerbaijan for hosting the event at a high level.
In the course of the talks, both sides reaffirmed mutual support for the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity. Zhang Guoqi stated that China-Azerbaijan relations are developing dynamically and have already reached the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership.
Ilham Aliyev said that Azerbaijan, as a country that has itself suffered from separatism, condemns all forms and manifestations of separatism. He also noted that Baku not only did not recognize elections held in Taiwan but was among the states that condemned the results of those elections.
In this context, the head of state once again emphasized that Azerbaijan consistently and firmly supports the “One China” policy.
Urban development cooperation discussed at WUF13 in Baku
18 May
The 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), held in Baku, was attended by Xin Li, Director of the Shanghai Urban Planning and Design Institute.
Speaking to journalists on 18 May, Xin Li said that the World Urban Forum serves as an important platform for countries to exchange experiences and promote the global development of urban planning.
“China and Azerbaijan have the potential to expand cooperation in the fields of education, urban planning, and urban design”, he said.
Xin Li reiterated that the World Urban Forum is a key platform for sharing international experience and advancing global urban development. He also noted that one of the main objectives of the Chinese delegation is to share China’s experience in urban development with the international community.
The 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), held from 17 to 22 May, is considered one of the most influential international platforms for sustainable urbanization and city development. This year’s event brought together more than 57,000 participants from 176 countries.
Li Liping speaks at WUF13
22 May
On 22 May, Li Liping, Head of the Construction Industry Subcommittee of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), delivered a video address during an event held within the framework of the World Urban Forum (WUF13).
In his remarks, Li noted that since the early 21st century, urbanization in China has significantly accelerated, leading to improvements in environmental quality and providing the country with substantial experience in sustainable urban development.
“China is ready to share its accumulated experience in the field of sustainable urban development with international partners”, Li said.
He stated that in recent years, China’s construction sector has achieved significant progress in digital and intelligent transformation, the development of “smart” cities, urban renewal, and the promotion of green and low-carbon development.
Li Liping emphasized that China is willing to work with international partners to address global challenges related to urbanization and sustainable city development.
Xinhua reports on China’s urban development achievements
22 May
On 22 May, the Xinhua News Agency published a summary article on the World Urban Forum (WUF13) held in Baku, highlighting China’s urban development achievements.
According to the article, this year’s forum, held under the theme “Housing the World: Safe and Sustainable Cities and Communities”, became an important platform for creating sustainable and inclusive urban environments.
Within the framework of the event, the Chinese side presented a national report on the implementation of the “New Urban Agenda”. The document outlines the country’s progress in urban development policy, including improvements in urban planning, infrastructure modernization, and the creation of more environmentally sustainable urban spaces.
At the exhibition area, the China Pavilion attracted significant attention, where the Urban Planning Society of China presented an exhibition showcasing the country’s innovative urban planning experience through practical examples.
Participants of WUF13 widely assessed the Baku forum as a turning point in strengthening global cooperation on urban development and enhancing knowledge exchange between countries.
European Diplomacy in Beijing: Ambassadors Discuss China’s Global Role at EPC Initiative
19 May
On 19 May, Beijing hosted a high-level meeting of ambassadors from European Political Community (EPC) member states, organized jointly by the Embassy of Armenia in China and the Delegation of the European Union.
The diplomatic meeting focused on the prospects for European security and stability, as well as the assessment of China’s role as a global actor in these processes.
According to an official press release, amid growing geopolitical tensions, diplomats emphasized the need to strengthen Europe’s strategic resilience. At the same time, participants agreed that maintaining direct dialogue and communication channels with Beijing is a pragmatic necessity.
The discussion addressed both political and economic challenges, highlighting that relations with China simultaneously include elements of partnership and strategic competition.
The meeting was held under the auspices of the European Political Community (EPC), which brings together around 50 European countries and serves as a platform for political dialogue and enhanced cooperation on issues of common interest.
Experts note that such formats aim to coordinate unified European positions amid global challenges, particularly at a time when relations with China combine both cooperation and strategic competition.
Chinese Public Security Minister visits Kyrgyzstan
19 May
On 19 May, a delegation led by Wang Xiaohong, Minister of Public Security of the People’s Republic of China, arrived in Bishkek on an official visit. The information was reported by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kyrgyzstan.
The main event of the visit was a meeting between Wang Xiaohong and Kyrgyz Minister of Internal Affairs Ulan Niyazbekov. The central topic of the discussions was the expansion of the strategic partnership between Kyrgyzstan and China in the field of law enforcement.
The talks also focused on improving interagency coordination and outlining specific prospects for future operational cooperation. The visit aims to further strengthen bilateral relations in the area of security between the two countries.
Security chiefs of China and Kyrgyzstan meet in Beijing
19 May
On 19 May, Chairman of the State Committee for National Security of Kyrgyzstan, Jumgalbek Shabdanbekov, hosted Wang Xiaohong, Minister of Public Security of the People’s Republic of China.
According to the Kyrgyz State Committee for National Security, the meeting focused on strengthening cooperation in combating terrorism, religious extremism, economic crimes, and cyberattacks.
One of the key topics of the talks was ensuring the security of strategic infrastructure projects, including the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, which is considered to be of particular importance for regional connectivity and economic development.
Shabdanbekov also confirmed readiness to ensure the protection of the rights and legitimate interests of Chinese investors in Kyrgyzstan.
At the end of the meeting, both sides agreed to deepen cooperation and implement practical steps aimed at further strengthening collaboration in the field of security.
Kyrgyzstan and China sign $430 million project agreement
20 May
On 20 May, an agreement on a $430 million energy and logistics project between Kyrgyzstan and China was signed, according to the Kyrgyz news agency Kabar.
The project aims to strengthen energy infrastructure and expand transport and logistics capacities, which is expected to further enhance economic cooperation between the two countries.
The initiative is viewed as an important step within the strategic partnership between China and the Central Asian state, particularly in the fields of energy and regional connectivity.
According to the parties, the strategic partnership is not limited to mutual economic benefits alone. It is expected to play a fundamental role in strengthening energy security in Central Asia and significantly enhancing the region’s transit potential.
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