Civicidea

Israel Defense Forces Halt Use of Chinese-Made Cars

Newswire, ერთი ახალი ამბავი / /

In early November 2025, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced a decision to cease using cars manufactured in China, citing concerns that data collected by these vehicles could be transmitted to China. According to the IDF, by the first quarter of 2026, about 700 vehicles—including the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro—will be removed from parking areas used by junior officers. The decision followed increasing suspicions that the smart systems embedded in the cars could gather sensitive information about Israel’s military activities and send it to China or other third parties.

This move is not based solely on hypothetical fears of future espionage. Chinese-made vehicles, which have been provided to IDF colonels and other officials since 2022, operate on closed operating systems. These vehicles are equipped with advanced smart technologies, including cameras, microphones, sensors, and communication systems capable of collecting geolocation data, audio and video recordings, and even biometric information. There is a tangible risk that such data could be transmitted to external servers—potentially located in China—without the knowledge or consent of the driver or the importing company.

Moreover, built-in GPS systems continuously collect real-time location and diagnostic data. The Chery Tiggo 8 Pro, in particular, is equipped with high-resolution 360-degree cameras that are capable of recording military exercises, troop movements, and military equipment. Such capabilities raise serious concerns that sensitive military information could be inadvertently captured and stored.

Notably, Israeli security officials attempted to “sterilize” the vehicles—seeking technical solutions to prevent any transmission of data to external entities—but ultimately concluded that this was not feasible. Taking these risks into account, representatives of Israel’s security and intelligence agencies decided to prohibit Chinese-made vehicles from entering state and security agency premises altogether.

In early November, Israel’s aerospace and defense industries also banned the use of Chinese vehicles. Plans are underway to prohibit these vehicles from entering military-industrial facilities entirely. Personnel who own Chinese-made cars will be required to park them in designated parking areas located outside factory premises.

According to the Israeli Air Force, there are already restricted zones where Chinese vehicles are not permitted to enter. Authorities intend to expand these restricted areas further to prevent unforeseen incidents and to ensure that vehicles driven by employees or visitors do not accidentally enter sensitive or classified locations.

These decisions by the IDF and related defense industries may have a significant impact on the export of Chinese vehicles to Israel. The process is already underway, as the issuance of import licenses for Chinese automobiles has been substantially restricted and delayed. Available information indicates that following the postponement of licensing deadlines for major importers, the Chinese government officially contacted Israel regarding the matter.

Israel’s actions align with similar measures taken by the United States and the United Kingdom, where the use of Chinese-made equipment is restricted on government and security agency premises. In the United States, the Pentagon banned not only Chinese-made vehicles but also Chinese-manufactured mobile phones from military, security, and government facilities.

The risks associated with Chinese smart technologies are also relevant to Georgia. Over recent years, Georgian government institutions have actively purchased and deployed Chinese-made surveillance cameras. Research conducted by Civic IDEA indicates that these cameras pose a national security risk, as there is a realistic possibility that data collected by Chinese surveillance systems could be accessed by Chinese intelligence services. For this reason, certain Chinese-made surveillance cameras have been banned in several Western countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and a number of European Union member states.

At the same time, Chinese-made vehicles are rapidly entering the Georgian market. Between January and August 2024, imports of Chinese automobiles to Georgia increased by 111 percent compared to the same period in the previous year. While experts note the affordability and availability of these vehicles, they also warn of associated risks, including non-compliance with European quality standards. Notably, in 2025, following the signing of a memorandum of cooperation with Sena Auto Group, the Chinese automotive brand Chery—banned by the Israel Defense Forces—officially entered the Georgian market.

Author: Mariam Kapanadze

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Why Didn’t Georgian Dream Fall? – ENB Features Analysis by Tinatin Khidasheli

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The Eastern Neighborhood Bulletin – a regional analytical platform covering political, security, and governance developments across Eastern Europe and the South Caucasus – has published a comprehensive expert review titled “Why Didn’t Georgian Dream Fall?”

The article brings together insights from nine leading specialists from Georgia, Europe, and the United States. Among them is Tinatin Khidasheli, Chairperson of Civic IDEA and former Minister of Defense of Georgia, who offers her analysis on the political developments surrounding the 2024 parliamentary elections and the protest movement that followed.

In her contribution, Tinatin Khidasheli highlights the critical failures of political leadership, noting that while civil society demonstrated remarkable energy and creativity, opposition parties did not transform public demand for change into a unified and credible political strategy:

“The 2024 parliamentary elections were seen as the last shred of hope by everyone, apparently except the main players: the opposition political parties. Georgian political opposition was expected to deliver bold, surprising moves that would catch the ruling party off guard and divert it from its well-structured traps. When the central issue at stake is the country’s sovereignty and reorientation of the entire statecraft, this is no longer a matter for activism alone. Resistance to such a shift must necessarily be political; it must be led, organized, and sustained by actors with the legitimacy and capacity to claim power, that is, political parties.

A simple plan of three phases of unavoidable change should have been set in motion: for people, regardless of partisan preference, to demand the change, then to believe it was possible, and finally to identify those capable of winning and governing after victory. Activists and civil society fulfilled their role. The movement proved creative and energetic, thus, the demand for change was overwhelming. Yet political leadership failed to transform that demand into a credible strategy of power.”

– Tinatin Khidasheli, Head of Tbilisi-based think tank Civic Idea, former Minister of Defense of Georgia, 2015-2016.

You can read the full article here:

Why Didn’t Georgian Dream Fall?

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Tinatin Khidasheli at Hitotsubashi University’s Global Governance Research (GGR) Session

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Civic IDEA Chairperson Tinatin Khidasheli delivered a talk at Hitotsubashi University within the Global Governance Research (GGR) series, addressing the theme “Small States in Turbulent Regions: Lessons from Georgia’s Current Political Challenges.”

The discussion focused on Georgia’s evolving geopolitical environment and the wider dynamics of the South Caucasus, including the pressures created by hybrid threats, authoritarian influence, and regional instability. Khidasheli emphasized how these dynamics shape the strategic choices of small states and how those choices, in turn, affect broader regional security.

In its introduction, the Institute for Global Governance Research highlighted Khidasheli’s leadership at Civic IDEA and her long-standing work on countering authoritarian influence, Russian propaganda, and hybrid warfare. It also noted her earlier roles in public service, including serving as Georgia’s first female Minister of Defense and as founder and chairperson of the Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association.

The session brought together students and faculty for an in-depth conversation on the challenges facing democratic governance in turbulent regions and the importance of understanding small states’ responses to global shifts.

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China in the South Caucasus and Kazakhstan (December 1–7)

Weekly news / /

Georgia

Meeting with the Delegation of Hubei University of Education

December 2

Deputy Minister of Education, Science and Youth of Georgia, Baia Kvitsiani, met with a delegation from China’s Hubei University of Education.

According to information released by the Ministry of Education, Science and Youth, the president of Hubei University, Zheng Juni, “expressed special gratitude for the steps taken in Georgia in recent years that support the development of Chinese-language teaching.”

During the meeting, the parties discussed the importance of joint and exchange projects between Hubei University and Georgian universities.

Chinese Ambassador Hosted Georgia–China Friendship Group Representatives

December 4

According to information shared on the Facebook page of the Embassy of China in Georgia, on December 4, the Chinese Embassy hosted the Georgia–China Friendship Group of the Parliament of Georgia.

The meeting was attended by the Deputy Speaker of Parliament and Chair of the Georgia–China Friendship Group, Giorgi Volski; Vice Speakers Ilia Injia, Sozar Subari, and Nino Tsilosani; as well as the chairs of several parliamentary committees.

According to the Embassy, in his remarks, Ambassador Zhou Qian stated that “members of parliament have long supported China–Georgia friendship, and the legislative bodies of our two countries have maintained close cooperation in recent years. China stands ready to strengthen cooperation between legislative bodies and share experience with Georgia in the field of governance.”

Discussion on Exporting “Ipkli Digomi” Bread to the Chinese Market

December 5

According to information reported by Bm.ge, interest has emerged in exporting “Ipkli Digomi” bread to the Chinese market.

According to the company’s marketing manager, Sofio Bediashvili, the export of Ipkli’s diabetic bread to China is under consideration. For this purpose, a Chinese delegation visited Georgia and expressed interest in cooperating with the company. However, as the marketing manager notes, before imports can begin, a number of procedures must be completed, as China has internal standards to which the company must adapt.

Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan and China’s central banks discuss deepening cooperation

December 1

During his working visit to China, the Chairman of the Central Bank of Azerbaijan, Taleh Kazimov, met with the governor of the People’s Bank of China, Pan Gongsheng.

During the meeting, the sides discussed monetary policy and financial stability, payment systems, and QR and mobile payment mechanisms.

They also reviewed the issue of strengthening cooperation between the two central banks.

The President of the National Academy of Sciences Delivered a Lecture for Chinese Students

December 3

The President of the National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan, Isa Habibbayli, met with students studying the Azerbaijani language at Beijing Foreign Studies University who are attending courses in Azerbaijan to improve their language skills.

During the meeting, Isa Habibbayli delivered a lecture to the Chinese students on “Literary Movements in Azerbaijani Literature.”

Azerbaijani Wine Promotion Events Held in China

December 4

From November 27 to December 4, events were held in the Chinese cities of Nanjing and Xi’an to present and promote Azerbaijani wine.

The events aimed to introduce Azerbaijani wine to the Chinese market and to increase the country’s export potential.

During the events, negotiations were held with potential Chinese partners.

China Supports Demining Operations in Azerbaijan

December 5

The Chairman of the Azerbaijan Mine Action Agency, Vugar Suleymanov, met with China’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Lu Mei.

According to information released by the Azerbaijan State News Agency, Vugar Suleymanov thanked the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China for the financial support provided for demining operations.

For her part, the Chinese Ambassador noted that demining work is an important component of the strategic partnership between the two countries. According to the Ambassador, during the official visit of Azerbaijan’s President, Ilham Aliyev, to China in April 2025, a number of agreements were signed between China and Azerbaijan. Among them was a memorandum on cooperation in the field of demining, and China’s financial assistance is being provided within the framework of this memorandum.

At the end of the meeting, the sides exchanged documents confirming the financial assistance provided by China for demining operations under the memorandum.

Azerbaijani Delegation at International Seminar in China

December 6 

Representatives of the Azerbaijan Institute of Standardization, which operates under the State Service for Antimonopoly and Consumer Market Control, participated in an international seminar held in the Chinese cities of Chengdu and Tianjin.

According to information released by the Institute, the aim of the seminar was to share experience and deepen cooperation between China and developing countries in the fields of green energy and sustainable development.

Armenia

Armenia Seeks to Deepen Relations with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization

December 4

During a press conference, Armenia’s Prime Minister, Nikol Pashinyan, stated that Armenia is interested in expanding its relations with China and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in all areas. In his remarks, the Prime Minister referred to China as one of Armenia’s reliable partners.

It is noteworthy that in early summer 2025, Armenia officially expressed its desire to join the SCO. Later, in August 2025, an agreement was signed between China and Armenia on establishing a strategic partnership.

International Conference “Eurasian Research on Modern China and Eurasia” Held in Yerevan

December 5

The sixth annual two-day international conference “Eurasian Research on Modern China and Eurasia” was held in Yerevan, traditionally organized by the China-Eurasia Council for Political and Strategic Research. The event brought together 65 scholars from more than 20 leading institutions worldwide.

Speaking to Armenpress, the conference organizer and head of the China-Eurasia Council, China specialist Mher Sahakyan, emphasized that the conference has become a platform that annually brings prominent scholars from Asia and Europe to Yerevan. During the conference, participants work on joint research projects and publications. Following the 2025 conference, a comprehensive book on Eurasian geopolitics is planned for publication, with contributions from more than 70 authors.

In the interview, Sahakyan stated that China’s influence in Eurasia is growing through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which connects the economies of East Asia and Europe and strengthens Beijing’s political leverage. According to him, China’s strategic partnership agreements with South Caucasus states give Armenia an opportunity to balance relations with major external powers.

Sahakyan also noted that Armenia’s “Crossroads of Peace” initiative could be successfully integrated into China’s Belt and Road project.

The keynote speaker of the conference was Professor Heiwai Tang of the University of Hong Kong. Researchers from Georgia, Turkey, and Iran also participated.

Comment on Armenia by a Chinese Researcher

December 5

At the international conference held in Yerevan (“Eurasian Studies on Modern China and Eurasia”), the Vice President of the University of Hong Kong, Professor Heiwai Tang, delivered a speech in which he discussed the strategic partnership between China and Armenia.

The professor noted that, given Armenia’s small size and population, the country must choose its areas of economic cooperation wisely. In particular, Armenia’s strong human capital makes artificial intelligence an “obvious choice,” while green energy could become a foundation for future economic development for a country traditionally dependent on energy resources.

Kazakhstan

Chinese Citizens Detained at Almaty Airport

December 1

Kazakh authorities detained several foreign nationals at Almaty International Airport on charges of attempting to illegally take infants out of the country.

According to the information released, on November 11, two couples who had arrived from China were stopped at the airport as they attempted to leave Kazakhstan with newborns who were allegedly carried by local surrogate mothers. Although the individuals possessed documentation for the infants, border authorities did not allow them to depart.

In response to the official investigation, the Almaty Police Department confirmed the detentions. The Investigative Department opened a criminal case under Article 135, Part 1 of Kazakhstan’s Criminal Code — “trafficking of minors.”

China in the South Caucasus and Kazakhstan (December 1–7) Read More »

Civic IDEA’s Statement Regarding the Targeted Disinformation Campaign Against the Organization

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Today, pro-government media outlets launched a targeted disinformation campaign against Civic IDEA and its chairperson, Tinatin Khidasheli.

The narratives disseminated by these outlets align with Georgian Dream’s latest tactic: labeling anyone who asks critical questions as part of “anti-government forces” to divert attention from real issues. This campaign aims to obscure the findings of our research and discredit the evidence presented in it.

Below, we summarize the key points of the report.

What Facts Provoked the Georgian Dream?

  1. The Sharp Increase in Imports of Iranian Oil and Petrochemical Products to Georgia

In recent years, imports of Iranian oil and petrochemical products have grown dramatically:

  • In 2020, imports from Iran totaled USD 45 million; by 2024, this figure had nearly quintupled, reaching USD 285 million.
  • In 2021 alone, imports of oil and petroleum products increased by 154% compared to 2020, amounting to 3,413 tons.

It is well known that petrochemical exports constitute one of the Iranian regime’s main sources of revenue. Therefore, Georgia’s growing imports of these products amount to indirect financial support for Tehran.

  1. The U.S. Government’s Explicit Warning on Purchasing Iranian Petrochemical Products

On May 1, U.S. President Donald J. Trump issued a warning on the social platform Truth Social, stating:

“Alert: All purchases of Iranian Oil or Petrochemical products must stop, NOW! Any country or person who buys ANY AMOUNT of OIL or PETROCHEMICALS from Iran will be subject to, immediately, Secondary Sanctions. They will not be allowed to do business with the United States of America in any way, shape, or form.”

Clearly, Georgian Dream attempts to downplay or hide relevant facts that show its collaborative stance toward a regime openly hostile to the United States. 

  1. Guidance Published on Iranian Websites on How to Bypass Sanctions Using Georgia

Numerous Iranian online platforms openly discuss fraudulent schemes that allow Iranian businesses to circumvent international sanctions. According to these sources, Georgia offers a convenient route for Tehran to access Russian, Chinese, and even Western markets.

Examples from Iranian sources include:

  • “A favorable environment has been created for Iranian traders: they can bring their products into Georgia and, by repackaging them under Georgian labels, export them to the EU or the U.S. without paying customs tariffs and at competitive prices.”
  • “Iran can indeed circumvent U.S. restrictions and access global markets for various products by trading through Georgia. One of Georgia’s key advantages is its extensive network of trade agreements, particularly with Europe.”

Iranian websites further encourage business owners to take advantage of Georgia’s business environment:

  • The Iranian company Arad Branding published an article advising:
    “If you plan to trade with Georgia, we recommend first registering a company there, especially near ports. This significantly reduces costs and makes imports and exports smoother.”

Indeed, between 2013 and 2024, Iranian citizens registered nearly 9,300 companies in Georgia, illustrating the extent to which the Iranian regime exploits Georgia as a platform for its business operations.

Once again, we emphasize that this report is based exclusively on open sources and statistical data published by the National Statistics Office of Georgia. As before, Georgian Dream responds to factual, evidence-based criticism with its habitual tactic: launching disinformation campaigns and dismissing publicly available information as “fake news.”

Full report

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Tinatin Khidasheli’s Talk at the University of Tokyo

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Civic IDEA is pleased to share that on 1 December, our Chair and former Minister of Defence of Georgia, Tinatin Khidasheli, delivered a presentation at a conference hosted by the Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology (RCAST) at the University of Tokyo. 

Her talk, “Frontlines of Influence: Russia, China, and the Hybrid Contest over Georgia,” focused on Georgia’s current geopolitical challenges. Ms. Khidasheli outlined how authoritarian actors – Russia and China – are expanding their political and economic influence in Georgia and shaping developments in the region. She also addressed key issues related to strategic infrastructure, including ongoing debates around the Anaklia deep-sea port.

In the event brief, Akira Igata of the University of Tokyo’s RCAST highlighted how Georgia has become a test ground for hybrid pressure from Russia and China  –  from interference in democratic processes to economic influence and growing pressure on civil society. 

In her lecture, Tinatin Khidasheli discussed these challenges, including China’s planned investments in Georgia such as the Anaklia deep-sea port, and the broader security implications for the region. She also noted that shrinking civic space in Georgia has made civil society leaders frequent targets of disinformation, citing a recent government-backed TV “documentary” that falsely portrayed her as a “Taiwanese agent.” These issues, as Igata emphasized, are not limited to Georgia; authoritarian disinformation campaigns now have global consequences.

The event was attended by University of Tokyo students, members of the academic community, and media representatives. The session concluded with an interactive Q&A and discussion, allowing participants to engage directly with the topics raised during the presentation.

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“Small States in Turbulent Regions” – Tinatin Khidasheli’s Talk

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“Small States in Turbulent Regions: Lessons from Georgia’s Current Political Challenges” – Tinatin Khidasheli’s Talk 

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02/Dec/2025  │  Hitotsubashi University, Japan 

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As part of the series of meetings organized by The Institute for Global Governance Research (GGR) – established in April 2020 as a university-wide organization focusing on global law and global governance research – students of Hitotsubashi University will meet  Tinatin Khidasheli, Chairperson of Civic IDEA . The discussion will focus on the geopolitical situation in Georgia and the South Caucasus, as well as the challenges posed by rising authoritarian powers in the region.

“Tinatin Khidasheli heads the Georgian research and analytic organization Civic IDEA, fighting authoritarian influence in Georgia, confronting Russian propaganda, and advocating for the country’s defense and security policy. She is the author of the first Georgian-language book on Hybrid Warfare and has taught Hybrid Warfare and Defense Policy at several universities. Throughout her career, she has held various high-ranking public positions, including Georgia’s first female Minister of Defense, and was the founder/chairperson of the Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association, which remains one of the largest human rights advocacy groups in Georgia.” – writes The Institute for Global Governance Research

Registration

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Georgia and China Deepen Transport Cooperation

Newswire / /

Georgia is deepening its relations with China, especially in transport, trade, and infrastructure. Economy Minister Mariam Kvrivishvili met with China’s Vice Minister of Transport, Li Yan, in London to discuss expanding cooperation, while also discussing maritime links and transport infrastructure. The focus was the Middle Corridor, which is the Trans-Caspian route connecting China and Europe, where Georgia plays a central transit role.

Following Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s visit to China earlier this month, both countries agreed to launch direct flights from Tbilisi to Beijing, with a potential Tbilisi-Shanghai route under discussion. Kvrivishvili stated that these measures would strengthen trade, economic ties, and people-to-people links. Georgia also emphasised the value of Chinese expertise in maritime development.

Cargo transit along the Middle Corridor has surged dramatically. Over the past three years, shipments increased by nearly 90%, and total cargo in 2024 reached 4.5 million tons, which is expected to grow to 5.2 million tons in 2025. Investments in the Anaklia deep-water port and the Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway aim to expand to 10 million tons annually by 2027.

However, experts warn that China’s rapid involvement is less about Georgia’s benefit and more about securing its own strategic foothold. Chinese companies are dominating Georgia’s infrastructure projects, such as roads and critical infrastructure. These investments often carry hidden costs of debt dependency, opaque agreements, which imply political leverage favoring Beijing.

Analysts argue that while Georgia benefits from short-term economic gains and growing cargo volumes, the long-term strategic costs are high. Loss of autonomy, as in economic dependency, is an exposure to political leverage by Beijing. In this context, critics argue that Georgia risks becoming a pawn in China’s Belt and Road Initiative, which is primarily used to advance Beijing’s geopolitical ambitions. Georgia’s growing dependence on Chinese investment, technology, and trade channels underscores the need for careful scrutiny and safeguards to ensure that national interests are not subordinated to foreign strategic priorities.

Author: Mariam Sanadze

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University of Tokyo Hosts Keynote Address by Tinatin Khidasheli on Russia, China, and the Geopolitics of Georgia

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Civic Idea is pleased to announce that our Chair, former Minister of Defence of Georgia Tinatin Khidasheli, will deliver the keynote address at a public symposium hosted by the Economic Security Intelligence Lab (ESIL) at the Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology (RCAST), The University of Tokyo.

Event Title: Frontlines of Influence: Russia, China, and the Hybrid Contest over Georgia

The symposium will examine the evolving geopolitical pressures on Georgia, including Russia’s role in democratic backsliding, China’s expanding economic leverage, and the broader hybrid tactics reshaping the strategic environment in the South Caucasus. Ms. Khidasheli will also discuss key infrastructure and connectivity debates – such as the Anaklia deep-sea port – and consider avenues for enhanced cooperation with partners, including Japan;

“In recent years, Georgia has stood at a geopolitical crossroads, caught between its aspirations for deeper integration with Europe and the expanding influence of authoritarian networks centered in Moscow and Beijing. Although a small country in the Caucasus, Georgia reflects many of the world’s most urgent strategic challenges: Russian elite capture encouraging democratic backsliding, China’s economic engagement creating new dependencies and opaque financial flows, and the rapid erosion of civic space that undermines civil society and opposition voices. 

The symposium will feature a keynote address by Tinatin Khidasheli, former Georgian Minister of Defence and current head of the Georgian think tank Civic Idea. She will outline the current domestic situation and Russia’s role in shaping political dynamics inside Georgia. Her remarks will also explore how Georgia has become a test site for hybrid warfare, with clear parallels to gray zone tactics in the South China Sea and around Taiwan. Ms. Khidasheli will discuss the promised investments from China in Georgia such as the strategically critical port of Anaklia that faces the Black Seas, the regional connectivity logic shaping the Caucasus, and the potential role that Japan can play in countering China’s rise in countries facing similar pressures. These issues are not limited to Georgia. Disinformation campaigns originating from authoritarian actors have had international consequences, including direct implications for Japan. 

As civic space has contracted within Georgia, Ms. Khidasheli has herself become a target of mass disinformation. One prominent example is an absurd television “documentary” that falsely portrayed her as a “Taiwanese agent” and even claimed that the Japanese government bribed her to carry out its agenda.”

Panel contributions will be provided by Dr. Aya Adachi (German Council on Foreign Relations) and Maya Sobchuk (ESIL, University of Tokyo). The discussion will be moderated by Akira Igata.

Event Details

Date: December 1, 2025
 Time: 10:00–11:30 (Registration from 9:30)
 Language: English
 Venue: ENEOS Hall, Building #3-S, Komaba II Campus, RCAST, The University of Tokyo

Registration

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Another Tragedy on a Georgian Road Project Built by a Chinese Company

New, Newswire / /

On November 23, another tragedy happened on the Kvesheti-Kobi construction section. Near the village of Tskere, during the construction of a retaining wall, a large amount of earth collapsed due to a landslide and trapped five workers of the construction company beneath it. They were citizens of Turkmenistan and China. Four of them died on the spot, and one of them was taken to a hospital. According to the Roads Department, “Emergency Situations Management Service is mobilized at the scene of the incident, and an investigation has already begun”.

The project is carried out by the Chinese companies – China Railway Tunnel Group Co and China Railway 23rd Bureau Group Co. In the government-issued statement, the requirement for stricter safety standards for construction companies is discussed.

Unfortunately, the tragedy that occurred on Kvesheti-Kobi road is just another proof of this grave trend, about which the Civic IDEA has been reporting on for the past few years, issuing recommendations and warnings to both the government and the population. 

Since 2017, reports issued by various international organizations indicated that the above-mentioned contractors had only formally complied with safety rules, while real monitoring was not carried out. This was proven in Georgia back in 2022, when an explosion in a CRTG tunnel led to the death of one person due to the accumulation of CO₂.

The company has a problematic reputation not only in Georgia but around the world as well. CRTG and its parent company, CRCC, are blacklisted by the US Department of Defense. In addition, in 2019, the World Bank issued a 20-month package of sanctions against these companies due to their fraudulent practices, including falsifying tender documents and violating workers’ labor rights.

In response to warning reports, “Civic IDEA” has been accused of acting against the interests of the country. The tragedy that occurred in Kobi raises the question of whose interests were served by those people who, for years, have been ignoring our recommendations as well as those issued by other international and non-governmental organizations working on these issues.

Given the high technical and environmental risks and warnings, strict monitoring of contractors was clearly necessary. However, this case is yet another tragic proof that all warnings were ignored by state agencies, and moreover, they continue to unconditionally support these companies. It is worth asking what interests were behind these deals that the Georgian Dream regime made with internationally sanctioned Chinese companies with a bad reputation.

 

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