Civicidea

Beijing’s New Five-Year Plan Raises Alarm in Taiwan

Newswire / /

As China prepares to unveil its 15th Five-Year Plan, Taiwan is increasingly concerned that Beijing could use the economic blueprint to expand influence across the Taiwan Strait — not only through trade and industry but also over Taiwan’s nearby islands.

Taipei’s officials fear that Beijing may symbolically include Taiwan or its offshore islands, such as Kinmen and Matsu in the upcoming plan. The move would blur the boundary between economic cooperation and political control.

China’s new plan is expected to emphasize high-tech industries, green energy, and infrastructure. Analysts say Beijing could seek to integrate Taiwanese companies into its economic system, offering reasons to attract investment and align industries such as semiconductors, electric vehicles, and artificial intelligence with Chinese priorities.

Beijing promotes such cooperation as “mutually beneficial,” but Taiwan sees it as part of a long-term strategy to increase dependency and weaken resistance to unite. 

Analysts highlight growing concern over Kinmen and Matsu — two Taiwanese-controlled islands located just a few kilometers from China’s coast. Beijing has recently expanded air routes, increased coast-guard patrols, and even proposed building a bridge from Xiamen to Kinmen without consulting Taiwan.

Taipei warns that such moves could be early steps toward asserting de facto control. “If they dare to invade Kinmen, we will become the next Crimea,” one Taiwanese official stated. 

Experts note that Beijing’s approach has shifted from direct military confrontation to economic and infrastructural integration. By placing Taiwan’s economy within China’s broader development goals, Beijing aims to make this unity appear both practical and inevitable.

At the same time, residents of Kinmen and Matsu — who depend heavily on trade and tourism from the mainland — face a difficult balance between economic opportunity and national security. The islands are also vulnerable to critical infrastructure threats, including undersea communication cables. Taiwan has detained China-linked vessels suspected of tampering with these cables and stepped up patrols, highlighting concerns about Beijing’s non-military pressure tactics.

Taiwanese leaders have urged Beijing to refrain from including any Taiwanese territories or projects in its domestic policies. Meanwhile, Taiwan continues to strengthen defenses on its outer islands, investing in anti-drone systems and coast-guard patrols.

Analysts warn that even if China’s plan stops short of explicit annexation language, any reference to cross-Strait “integration zones” or infrastructure links could heighten tensions and challenge Taiwan’s sovereignty.

Beijing’s next five-year plan may shape more than China’s economic future — it could redefine the balance of power across the Taiwan Strait. Through a mix of economic encouragement and strategic planning, China appears intent on binding Taiwan closer to their policy one policy step at a time.

Author: Nia Kokhreidze

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Statement by Civic IDEA on the unlawful detention of Anastasia Japaridze

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On the 329th consecutive day of protest, Georgian police intervened on Wednesday evening as anti-government demonstrators once again attempted to block Tbilisi’s central avenue, defying newly tightened protest laws. The crackdown led to a wave of arrests, with around 30 people detained in a single night.

These arrests come in the wake of a new law restricting freedom of expression and assembly, rushed through Parliament last Thursday by the ruling Georgian Dream party. The amendments replace administrative fines with prison terms for several protest-related actions — including blocking roads when the police deem the number of demonstrators “insufficient,” and covering one’s face during rallies.

Since the law came into force, police have detained approximately 80 people over the past four days, among them is Anastasia Japaridze, a volunteer and active participant in our organization’s educational programs, who was forcibly abducted and unlawfully detained by law enforcement officers during a peaceful protest in Tbilisi.

Anastasia’s arrest represents yet another act of state violence – a deliberate attempt by the regime to suppress civic activism and the expression of protest. Anastasia Japaridze is a dignified, educated, and civically conscious young woman who has for years been involved in Civic Idea’s educational and social initiatives.

We demand her immediate release. Anastasia stands as a representative of a generation that deeply understands the meaning of freedom and democratic values. Civic IDEA stands ready to provide full legal and public support to Anastasia and her family until this unjust and unlawful persecution is halted.

Civic IDEA condemns all forms of violence, persecution, and the targeted criminalization of civic activism by the authorities. We express solidarity with all political prisoners and with every citizen who stands in the streets today for Georgia’s European future, democracy, and national dignity – and whose freedom is being stripped away by the regime.

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Renewed China-EU Dialogue

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Amid mounting trade and geopolitical tensions between China and the European Union, China’s Commerce Minister Wang Wentao held a video meeting with European Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič on October 21, 2025, to explore avenues for the healthy and stable development of economic relations. The central focus of the negotiations was China’s tightening of export controls on rare minerals, a measure that Wang defended as a “normal action,” but which the EU regards as illegitimate economic coercion. Rare minerals are critically important for European manufacturing, including electric vehicle batteries and high-tech weaponry.

Another key issue in the dialogue was the European Union’s anti-subsidy investigation into Chinese electric vehicles. Furthermore, the two sides discussed the case of the Chinese company Nexperia: the Dutch government took exceptional measures, citing national security concerns, which threaten the operations of the Chinese-owned company. The government of the Netherlands imposed managerial control over Nexperia, the auto chip manufacturing subsidiary of the Chinese transnational corporation Wingtech Technologies. In response to this move, China banned the export of finished products and other components assembled in China for Nexperia, thereby limiting the company’s ability to fulfil orders for its European customers (BMW, Mercedes-Benz).

Wang Wentao criticized the move by the Netherlands as an “overextension of the national security concept” and demanded that they respect contractual obligations, to which the European Union expressed its willingness to facilitate constructive negotiations between The Hague and Beijing.

Ultimately, both sides agreed that a renewed meeting would take place soon in Brussels, confirming their readiness to resolve sharp trade disputes through diplomatic channels.

Renewed China-EU Dialogue Read More »

Jamestown Foundation Publishes Tinatin Khidasheli’s Article on the PRC–Georgian Strategic Partnership

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🇬🇪🇨🇳 PRC – Georgian “Strategic Partnership” Fails to Deliver

Jamestown Foundation’s Eurasia Daily Monitor has published an article by Civic IDEA’s Chair, Tinatin Khidasheli, analyzing how the much-touted PRC–Georgian strategic partnership has failed to bring real benefits to Georgia.

Despite official claims that the partnership would lead to prosperity, Chinese investments remain minimal, trade imbalances favor Beijing, and state contracts – often financed by Western or Georgian taxpayers—are increasingly awarded to PRC companies.

Moreover, Beijing continues to abstain or vote against Georgia’s territorial integrity in the United Nations, aligning itself with Moscow and undermining Georgia’s sovereignty and Euro-Atlantic aspirations.

The article builds on Civic IDEA’s recent research:  “From Schools to State: China’s Quiet Takeover — Illusions of Partnership, Risks of Dependence.”

Read Tinatin Khidasheli’s full analysis in Eurasia Daily Monitor:

Full Article

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Trump plans a “fantastic deal” with China while meeting President Xi

Newswire, ერთი ახალი ამბავი / /

At the end of this month, the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit is scheduled to be held in South Korea, where leaders of member countries will gather to discuss global economic issues. Amid the complicated relations and trade war between China and the U.S., the President of the United States, Donald Trump, announced he hopes to meet with Xi and reach a “fantastic deal” with China. He offered to lower tariffs but also noted that China should make concessions too, including buying U.S.-produced soybeans and ending restrictions on rare earth minerals. These two factors—China halting U.S. soybeans imports and its near-monopoly on rare earth minerals—are powerful tools for China and could put significant pressure on Trump to lower tariffs and attempt to strike a deal with Beijing. 

For U.S. farmers, it is nearly impossible to find a replacement for the enormous Chinese demand, as China is the world’s largest importer of soybeans and the largest customer of U.S. farmers. For example, last year China exported half of the U.S.-produced soybeans, which amounts to $12.6 billion. But this year, as a retaliation to U.S.-imposed tariffs, Chinese purchase of soybeans has declined significantly, which dramatically affected U.S farmers, who in turn lobby Trump to change his policies toward China. On the other hand, while American farmers are desperate, China has found an alternative supplier – Brazil. In August, China purchased $ 4.7 billion in soybeans from Brazil, which, compared to the U.S supply, is around fifty times larger. This situation puts China in an advantageous position – it pressures the U.S agricultural sector and also deepens “south-south cooperation”.

Besides the soybean problem, which may only affect U.S farmers, there’s the issue of rare earth minerals, which is a huge problem not only for the U.S but for the global economy and manufacturing of a wide range of electronics, from iPhones to electric cars and etc. China controls more than 90% of the global output of refined rare earths. So, the upcoming summit and talks between the U.S and China are an important event for the global economy. This trade war has damaged both countries and their economies, and the deal between them will indeed be “fantastic”, as Trump said, but considering Trump’s unpredictable decisions, it’s hard to say what will actually happen.

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China announces its five-year economic development plan

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Xi Jinping will present China’s five-year strategy at the fourth plenary session this week. The plan aims to make China the world’s second-largest economy, in the context of competition with the United States. It is notable that the meeting will take place one week before a planned meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in South Korea.

The economy is not the only topic. The plenary may also address personnel changes, since several officials have been removed after the anti-corruption campaign. One main issue is the changes in the Central Military Commission, which has lost some credibility because of Xi Jinping’s campaign. Three of the commission’s six military members were dismissed. During the plenary, about 12 alternate members are expected to fill vacancies in the Central Committee.

According to Neil Thomas, a specialist on China at the Asia Society Policy Institute, each member of the Central Committee knows that their future depends on Xi Jinping’s favor. At the same time, the personnel changes strengthen Xi Jinping’s control over both the party and the military.

Meanwhile, in the United States, government operations have been suspended for the third week because the Senate has not passed a funding bill for federal agencies before the new fiscal year. For China’s leadership, this meeting is especially important. They believe the country is working in a hostile global environment, mainly because of the trade war with the U.S. and limited access to Western technologies. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, China’s economic growth in 2025 fell to its lowest level in the third quarter. Annual growth reached 4.8%, lower than the previous quarter. This decline is attributed to external economic pressure, but domestic political and economic imbalances also play a role.

Next Five-Year Plan and Domestic Economic Challenges

The five-year plan will take effect in 2026, with full details expected only by March next year, after approval by the legislature. Xi Jinping has highlighted the main priorities: updating the economic strategy to shift the focus from production growth to improving product quality. The goal is to build an economy that develops innovative technologies and is less dependent on cheap labor and exports. The plan also considers a transition to green energy and reducing pollution to limit the exploitation of natural resources.

China’s main economic challenge is low consumer demand amid excess production. Youth unemployment is relatively low. Economic regulation is needed, as industrial development is partly slowed by overproduction. International partners are urging China to halt the export of surplus products, as overproduction drives down market prices.

Jakob Gunter, head of the Economics and Industry Program at the MERICS research center in Berlin, is skeptical about China’s economic renewal plan. He says there is little chance that the new five-year plan will differ significantly from the current strategy, because Xi Jinping already controls the system, and large-scale structural changes are not in his interest at this stage. The plan may focus on boosting consumer demand and limiting domestic competition to balance excess production. However, Gunter notes that if changes occur over the long term, we can expect stronger social protection, a review of subsidiarity policies, and a reduction of excess investments. China aims for stability and sustainable development in its economy.

China announces its five-year economic development plan Read More »

China in the South Caucasus and Kyrgyzstan (October 13-19)

Weekly news / /

Georgia

Mariam Kvrivishvili met the Chinese Ambassador to Georgia

The Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development under Ivanishvili’s regime, Mariam Kvrivishvili, met with the Chinese Ambassador to Georgia, Zhou Qian.

According to the released information, the parties discussed the positive dynamics of the Georgia–China partnership, particularly in the areas of trade and economic relations. The meeting also addressed issues of bilateral cooperation in civil aviation and tourism.

As stated in the ministry’s press release, special attention was given to China’s Ninth International Import Exhibition, scheduled for November 5–10. The Georgian side received an official invitation to participate in the event, where more than 40 Georgian companies are expected to be represented.

October 15

Chinese Ambassador’s Article on the “One China Principle” Published in Georgian Media

On October 17, an article titled “The One-China Principle is Unquestionable and UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 is Unchallenged”, authored by the Chinese Ambassador to Georgia, Zhou Qian, was published in the Georgian newspaper Resonance.

Several parts of the article drew particular attention, as the ambassador strongly reaffirmed the PRC’s rigid stance on the “One China” principle. Below are key excerpts and observations from the text:

The ambassador emphasized that “Taiwan is an inalienable part of China.” He asserted that UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 is grounded in the One China Principle, claiming that it explicitly states “there is only one China in the world, and the government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legitimate representative of all of China, including Taiwan.”

The article further criticized “individual countries and the Taiwan authorities” for “frequently making a fuss about UN General Assembly Resolution 2758.” Zhou Qian also warned that “it is impossible for China to sit idly by and allow attempts to split Taiwan to succeed.”

In the concluding section, after outlining China’s perspective on Taiwan, the ambassador turned to the theme of Georgia–China relations, highlighting that the two countries “trust each other and respect each other’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.”

He added that “China highly appreciates Georgia’s long-term adherence to the One-China principle and is willing to work with Georgia to continue firmly supporting each other in safeguarding our core interests.”

However, it is noteworthy that Georgia has not received reciprocal support from the People’s Republic of China regarding its own territorial integrity on the international stage. Despite the establishment of the Georgia–China Strategic Partnership in 2023, China has consistently abstained from voting on UN General Assembly resolutions reaffirming the right of return for all displaced persons and refugees from Georgia’s Abkhazia and Tskhinvali/South Ossetia regions. China’s position has remained unchanged since then.

October 17

"Emotions Are Georgia - Experience of Georgia's Four Seasons" was held in Beijing

Against the backdrop of the growing Georgia-China strategic partnership and people-to-people ties, the Georgian National Tourism Administration, with the active support of the Embassy of Georgia in China, held a cultural event at Longfu Square in Beijing (“一往情深·格鲁吉亚” ). The three-day program, held from October 17–19, introduced Chinese guests to Georgian culture up close.

The event was attended by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Georgia to the People’s Republic of China, Paata Kalandadze, who emphasized the importance of the friendly relations and strategic partnership between Georgia and China in his welcoming speech.

October 19

Azerbaijan

23 Chinese Students Continue Their Studies in Azerbaijan

Within the framework of the Azerbaijani Government’s Scholarship Program for 2025–2026, 65 international students have been awarded scholarships to continue their studies at Azerbaijani universities. Among the scholarship recipients are 23 students from the People’s Republic of China.

Under this program, the students have been granted the opportunity to pursue studies at various higher education institutions across Azerbaijan. Notably, nine of the Chinese students will continue their education at Baku State University.

October 14

Chinese Companies Participate in Caspian Construction Week Exhibition

The 30th Caspian Construction Week Exhibition was held in Baku, bringing together leading construction sector companies from across the region. The event encompassed several major international exhibitions, including the International Construction Exhibition and the Exhibition on Renewing and Developing Karabakh.

A total of 299 companies from 17 countries participated in the exhibition, among them representatives from the People’s Republic of China. 

Azerbaijani media outlets put particular emphasis on the participation of Chinese companies. According to an article by the Azerbaijani state information agency, the presence of Chinese companies at the Plastex Caspian exhibition is expected to contribute to the “development of the industry” and the “expansion of international cooperation.”

October 14

Chinese–Azerbaijani Trade Relations (January–August 2025)

According to the Azerbaijani state information agency, during January–August 2025, Azerbaijani legal entities and individuals maintained trade relations with 173 countries.

Data published by the State Customs Committee indicates that 87.8% of Azerbaijan’s total foreign trade volume was conducted with Türkiye, Russia, China, Germany, and several other countries.

Notably, 19.1% of Azerbaijan’s imported goods originated from the People’s Republic of China — placing China first among Azerbaijan’s trade partners in terms of imports, ahead of Türkiye and Russia.

In contrast, Azerbaijan’s main export destinations were Italy, Türkiye, Russia, the Czech Republic, and Bulgaria, among others. Only 3.5% of Azerbaijani exports were directed to China, highlighting a significant trade imbalance between the two countries.

October 14

Agreement Between the Food Safety Agency of Azerbaijan and China’s General Administration of Customs

elegation from the Food Safety Agency of Azerbaijan paid an official visit to China with the stated aim of expanding the export destinations of Azerbaijani food products.

During the visit, the Food Safety Agency of Azerbaijan and the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) signed a draft protocol on inspection, quarantine, and sanitary requirements for hazelnuts and almonds exported from Azerbaijan to China.

In addition, both sides signed a document outlining cooperation mechanisms in the field of food safety concerning export and import operations.

October 14

Chinese Representatives Attend Conference on Health Tourism in Baku

An international conference titled “Health Tourism Conference 2025: Future Directions of Well-Being and Medical Tourism” was held in Baku, organized by the Baku State Tourism Agency.

The event brought together representatives from various countries, including Türkiye, North Macedonia, Thailand, the United Kingdom, and China.

From the People’s Republic of China, the Association of Health and Medical Tourism participated in the conference. The president of the association delivered a speech highlighting the importance of developing the health and medical tourism sectors and strengthening international cooperation in this field.

October 15

Azerbaijani and Chinese Doctors Conduct Joint Operation

According to the Azerbaijani State Information Agency, Azerbaijani and Chinese surgeons jointly performed a remote operation using robotic technology. The agency described the event as an “unprecedented innovative milestone in Azerbaijan’s medical history.”

Azerbaijani Representative Attends International Congress in Beijing

Professor Gulnaz Mahir Dadashov, Director of Azerbaijan’s Scientific-Research Institute of Cardiology, participated in an international cardiology congress held in Beijing, where she delivered a speech during one of the sessions.

According to the released information, within the framework of the congress, the Scientific-Research Institute of Cardiology under Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Health and Tsinghua University are set to sign a memorandum of cooperation in scientific, research, and academic fields.

October 17

Multimodal Transit Transport Launched from China to Azerbaijan

The first international multimodal transit transport route along the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan–Turkmenistan–Azerbaijan corridor has been launched from China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.

Azerbaijan’s state information agency described the event as a significant development in the creation of a transport corridor connecting Asia and Europe within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative.

October 18

Armenia

Armenia Strengthens Logistical Ties with China

A multimodal transport route has been launched connecting Armenia and Kazakhstan via Turkmenistan and Iran.

Armenian experts view this development as an opportunity to deepen trade relations with Central Asia. The transport routes integrate two key corridors: China–Kazakhstan–Uzbekistan–Turkmenistan–Iran–Armenia and China–Kazakhstan–Turkmenistan–Iran–Armenia, enhancing connectivity between China and Armenia.

October 17

Chinese Ambassador’s Article on Taiwan Published in Armenian Media

An article by the Chinese Ambassador to Armenia, Li Xinwei, titled “The Undeniable One-China Principle and the New Strategic Partnership Between China and Armenia: Thoughts by the Chinese Ambassador to Armenia”, was published in Armenian media. The piece reiterates China’s firm and strict stance on Taiwan’s status. Key parts include:

The ambassador emphasized that “Taiwan’s return is an indispensable part of the outcomes of World War II and the established post-war international order.” He asserted that historical and legal evidence clearly confirms Taiwan’s link to China.

Li Xinwei highlighted that the international community recognized this reality in 1971 when the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution 2758, which formally confirmed that:

  1. There is only one China,
  2. Taiwan is an inalienable part of China, and
  3. The government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legitimate representative of all of China.

The ambassador condemned the actions of Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and “some external forces” for allegedly distorting Resolution 2758 to promote a false narrative of Taiwan’s “undetermined status” and to expand its “international space” for self-serving purposes.

In conclusion, Li Xinwei emphasized the strong bilateral relationship between China and Armenia, noting that “the Armenian side fully endorses the One-China principle, recognizing the PRC as the sole legal government and Taiwan as an inseparable part of China.” Armenia opposes Taiwan independence and firmly supports China’s national reunification efforts. In reciprocity, the ambassador stated that China fully supports Armenia’s political independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the inviolability of its borders, and expressed support for Armenia’s “Crossroads of Peace” initiative.

Kyrgyzstan

Chinese Business Delegation Visits Bishkek

On October 14, 2025, representatives of major companies from China, specifically Shanghai, arrived in Kyrgyzstan on a business visit. The delegation, which included the Chief Engineer of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan highway project, as well as senior executives from the pharmaceutical and infrastructure sectors, held a meeting with Temir Sariev, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) of the Kyrgyz Republic.

Following the negotiations, the parties agreed to organize a business tour to Shanghai for Kyrgyz companies. As CCI President Sariev noted, the ultimate goal is to translate Chinese interest into concrete contracts.

October 14

Statement by the President of the Women's Congress of Kyrgyzstan

In an interview given to China’s official news agency Xinhua on October 15, 2025, Zamira Akbagisheva, President of the Women’s Congress of Kyrgyzstan, stated that China plays a critically important role in protecting and improving women’s rights in recent decades.

She also thanked China for supporting women’s initiatives in Kyrgyzstan and noted that the success of Chinese women is a clear example of people-centered governance.

October 15

Interview with an influential expert in Kyrgyz political circles

In an interview published by China’s official news agency Xinhua on October 17, 2025, Sheradil Baktygulov, Director of the “World Policy Institute” of Kyrgyzstan, is cited as referring to China as an active proponent of international and global progress. He believes that the rising anti-globalist tendencies, protectionism, and unilateralism pose a serious challenge to the world order.

According to Baktygulov, against the backdrop of these global challenges, China has introduced a concept based on the principles of openness, mutual benefit, and justice.

October 17

Official Visit of the InvestHK Delegation to Central Asia

On October 18, 2025, Ms. Alpha Lau, Director-General of Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK), the government agency of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, commenced an official eight-day visit to three Central Asian countries: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan.

This event is directly related to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and underscores Beijing’s efforts to strengthen regional economic ties. The visit aims to present the capabilities of Hong Kong as a leading international financial hub to the Central Asian nations. Ms. Lau noted that Hong Kong’s robust regulatory framework and low-tax regime provide a foundation for offering diverse financing channels for the region’s infrastructure and other development projects.

October 18

China in the South Caucasus and Kyrgyzstan (October 13-19) Read More »

China’s Crackdown on Underground Churches Sparks Global Condemnation

Newswire / /

Chinese authorities have detained 30 leaders of prominent underground christian churches in a sweeping crackdown on unregistered religious groups, sparking condemnation and strong criticism from the US and international human rights groups. 

The arrest reportedly targets figures linked to the Zion church network, one of China’s largest unregistered “house church’’movements. These communities operate outside the state controlled three-self patriotic movements and have long resisted government supervision to register under government oversight, citing their right to practice faith freely. “Such systematic persecution is not only an affront to the Church of God but also a public challenge to the international community,” Zion Church said in a statement.

Analysts say the detentions are part of the wider effort to tighten control over the religion and suppress the groups that function independently of the communist party. The Chinese Communist Party promotes atheism and tightly controls religion and the government has increasingly targeted Christian congregations, Muslim minorities, and other religious groups it deems “unauthorized” or politically sensitive. Human rights advocates warn that the move can severely damage what remains of China’s religious freedom. 

The United States urged Beijing to immediately release the detained church leaders, describing the action as a serious violation of religious freedom. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement on Sunday that “this crackdown further demonstrates how the CCP exercises hostility towards Christians who reject Party interference in their faith and choose to worship at unregistered house churches”. Former US vice-president Mike Pence and former secretary of state Mike Pompeo have also released statements on X condemning the arrests. 

Some of the British officials including the UK’s envoy of freedom of religion lord David Alton have demanded the immediate release of church leaders. A spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in London said: “We would like to stress that the Chinese citizens enjoy freedom of religious belief in accordance with law. Meanwhile, all religious groups and religious activities must comply with the laws and regulations of China.” They argued that the crackdown violates both the Chinese constitution and international human rights obligations. 

China officially recognizes five religions but requires them to register and follow strict state guidelines. Independent churches that refuse often face surveillance, raids, or closure. Experts warn that the latest detentions will deepen fear among millions of Christians who continue to worship in private homes and small gatherings.

Despite huge international  pressure, many believers remain determined to continue their faith practices underground. As international attention grows, the coming weeks will test whether diplomatic pressure can influence China’s decisons—or whether its tightening control over religion will intensify further.

Author: Nia Kokhreidze

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Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women in Beijing

Newswire, ერთი ახალი ამბავი / /

On October 13-14, 2025, China, as co-host, assumed the role of a global leader in gender equality by holding a High-Level Meeting on Women’s Rights in Beijing. President Xi Jinping underscored the necessity of women’s active participation both in politics and at all levels of decision-making. According to him, countries must open the path for women in matters of state governance. Although China has achieved excellent results in the field of women’s education (for example, women comprise half of the students in higher education institutions), the quantitative scarcity of women in leadership positions raises serious questions. In response to this, the UN already called on China in 2023 to introduce legislative quotas. This appeal became particularly relevant after 2022, for the first time in 20 years, when not a single female official was represented in the country’s highest governing bodies—the Politburo and its Standing Committee.

President Xi Jinping announced new financial commitments from China aimed at safeguarding women’s rights and strengthening their positions. He stated that China will contribute an additional US$10 million to UN Women. Furthermore, China will earmark US$100 million from the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund, which will be used in collaboration with international organizations for projects promoting women’s rights and the improvement of their social status.

Chinese President Xi Jinping actively used the summit’s diplomatic platform to strengthen bilateral ties. On October 13–14, 2025, he held bilateral meetings with the leaders of several states—namely, Iceland, Ghana, Dominica, Mozambique, and Sri Lanka. Within the context of these meetings, on October 14, 2025, President Xi Jinping spoke with Icelandic President Halla Tómasdóttir. The main message of the dialogue was the demonstration that even countries with different social systems can engage in successful and mutually beneficial cooperation. During the meeting with the Icelandic President, emphasis was placed on the desire to deepen bilateral relations.

Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women in Beijing Read More »

Civic IDEA at Forum 2000: Defending Democracy in Georgia

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“As the ruling Georgian Dream party continues to attack democracy in Georgia, it’s important for Western policy makers not to engage in political dialogue with its representatives” – said Tinatin Khidasheli, former Minister of Defence and director of the Civic IDEA think tank.

She relayed this message at the Forum 2000 conference during an expert panel on civil society in Georgia, which was co-organised by the Prague Civil Society Centre and Civic-Idea.

Together with Saba Brachveli, Human Rights Programme manager at the Civil Society Foundation, and Ghia Nodia, Professor of politics at Ilia State University in Tbilisi, they discussed the ongoing resistance against the Georgian government’s repression, as well as what can Europe do to help Georgian civil society.

“The current government stands on three pillars of power: propaganda, law enforcement, and finances. We need financial sanctions on the individuals and businesses tied to financing these,” Brachveli said.

“Resistance is successful and will eventually change the regime,” stated Khidasheli.

“In recent years, georgia’s civil society has come under pressure from a government eager to consolidate power, labeling critics as foreign agents or enemies of the state. As civic space shrinks, activists continue to resist – organizing, adapting, and defending democratic values. While rooted in Georgia, these challenges reflect wider global trends. What lled to the current situation, and what does it mean on the ground ? what political, legal, and rhetorical strategies are restricting civic space, and how do they reflect broader authoritarian trends? How are civil society actors resisting and innovating and what lessons can be shared internationally? How can local and global actors support democratic resilience” – says the forum 2000

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