Civicidea

Ambassador’s talks” project

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🎉 The third edition of the “Ambassador’s talks” project has officially concluded!
 
📅 “Ambassador’s talks” is a Civic IDEA initiative that gives selected participants the opportunity to engage in weekly meetings with ambassadors of various countries over a two-month period.

💡 This was the third time the project was held, and during this round, participants had the chance to meet the ambassadors of Georgia, Germany, the European Union, Latvia, Norway, the Czech Republic, Italy, the Netherlands, Japan, Denmark, Estonia, and more. The meetings took place in a lecture-discussion format, allowing for insightful conversations and exchanges.

🎉 On May 23, a special closing event was held to wrap up the series, where the winners of the project’s writing competition were announced. Participants presented their work in a storytelling format, highlighting the challenges faced by religious minorities in Georgia and emphasizing the need for inclusive solutions.
 
🏆 The winning participants were awarded prizes by the ambassadors themselves, who attended the final event and listened with great interest to the presentations. All participants received certificates of completion, and the evening concluded with a festive dinner.
 
Civic IDEA extends heartfelt thanks to all the participants, ambassadors, guests, and supporters who made this project possible! 💜

Ambassador’s talks” project Read More »

Russian Occupation Extends to Georgian Skies: Western-Sanctioned Airlines Launch Flights to Sukhumi

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On May 1, Russia commenced direct, regular flights to occupied Abkhazia. According to the Russian news agency RIA Novosti, UVT Aero operated its first flight from Moscow’s Vnukovo Airport to Sukhumi two days ahead of schedule “due to high demand.”

Flights between Russia and occupied Abkhazia violate both international aviation regulations and the Georgian Constitution:

UVT Aero, which is internationally sanctioned and operates flights to Sokhumi in violation of Georgia’s Law on Occupation, continues to fly to other parts of Georgia as well.

📝 Our new report reveals:

  • How the reconstruction of Sokhumi airport began in 2023;

  • How sanctioned Russian airlines are being granted flight permissions;

  • What kind of threat this precedent poses to Georgia’s sovereignty; and

  • How the Georgian government is involved in this process through its inaction.

Tap to see the full report

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China Launches New Economic Cooperation with ASEAN and GCC

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China, together with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), announced new plans for economic cooperation during a trilateral summit held in Kuala Lumpur. This initiative comes in response to the high tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, which have heightened tensions in global trade.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang stated at the summit that ASEAN and the GCC will jointly establish a “vibrant economic circle.” This cooperation aims to strengthen free trade and promote the free flow of resources, technologies, and investments.

The trilateral summit, held in Malaysia’s capital, highlights the unity among countries of the Global South. The combined GDP of ASEAN, the GCC, and China stands at $24.87 trillion, with a total population of 2.15 billion, accounting for a quarter of the global economy. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim emphasized that this collaboration creates “tremendous opportunities” for innovation and investment.

China underlined the importance of free trade agreements. It was announced at the summit that the upgrade of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement has been completed, while negotiations for a GCC-China agreement are nearing conclusion. These developments aim to reduce dependence on the U.S. market and enhance the economic resilience of the Global South. China also seeks to deepen cooperation in areas such as the digital economy, green energy, and finance. Premier Li Qiang proposed a “deep strategic development” framework with ASEAN and GCC countries and encouraged the use of local currencies to reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar.

Under Malaysia’s chairmanship of ASEAN for 2025, the summit also addressed global challenges, including the 32–49% tariffs imposed by the U.S., which have significantly affected six ASEAN member states. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stated that ASEAN remains neutral but views cooperation with China as a “stable partnership”.

Other issues discussed at the summit included the civil war in Myanmar, where participants expressed support for bilateral solutions and ceasefire initiatives. China also backed Malaysia’s proposed Confucian-Islamic civilizations dialogue, aimed at fostering people-to-people exchanges and deeper civilizational integration.

China Launches New Economic Cooperation with ASEAN and GCC Read More »

China Urges Philippines to Cease Confrontation in South China Sea

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China has called on the Philippines to immediately halt “infringements and provocations” in the South China Sea, warning of a “resolute response” otherwise. The statement follows a collision between vessels of the two nations in disputed waters, sparking mutual accusations. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated that the “control measures” taken by China’s Coast Guard were lawful, while the Philippines’ actions threaten regional stability.

The incident, which occurred on May 22, followed the entry of Philippine vessels into disputed waters, prompting China’s Coast Guard to take “necessary measures,” including expelling the vessel. China claims these actions violate international law. Meanwhile, the Philippines accused China of “aggressive” behavior, a stance supported by the U.S. Ambassador to Manila, MaryKay Carlson, who described China’s actions as “life-threatening” and a “threat to regional stability.”

China urged the U.S. to stop using the Philippines to “stir up trouble” in the South China Sea. According to Mao Ning, U.S. involvement, including joint maritime exercises with the Philippines and Japan conducted this week, heightens regional tensions. These exercises, held for the first time, involved the Philippine and U.S. Coast Guards, as well as naval and air forces. China argues that such actions contradict the 2016 arbitral tribunal ruling, which deemed China’s historical claims in the South China Sea “baseless,” a decision China does not recognize.

China’s stance remains consistent: it rejects the Philippines’ provocations, asserting that its sovereignty over nearly the entire South China Sea is being violated. In April, Zhao Zhiwei, spokesperson for the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command, stated in response to a similar incident that the Philippines’ “illegal intrusion” into waters near Huangyan Island violates China’s sovereignty and international law. The PLA affirmed it remains “on constant high alert” to safeguard national security.

Joint exercises by the Philippines, the U.S., and Japan in disputed waters drew sharp criticism from China. China accuses the U.S. of sowing “discord” in the region, while the Philippines and other neighboring countries, including Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam, also claim parts of the South China Sea. This confrontation increases the risk of global tensions, particularly as China exerts growing economic and military influence in the region.

China Urges Philippines to Cease Confrontation in South China Sea Read More »

Civic IDEA Calls on the International Community to Act as Arrest of Zurab Japaridze Signals the End of Democratic Pretenses in Georgia

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Civic IDEA urgently calls on Georgia’s international partners and democratic allies to respond decisively to the arrest of opposition leader Zurab Japaridze, which marks not just another political crackdown, but the definitive end of the Georgian Dream government’s pretense of governing by democratic rules. This act of repression signals the beginning of a new and dangerous chapter for Georgia—one in which dictatorship, not dysfunction, becomes the defining feature of the regime.

The legal process against Japaridze began after he refused to appear before a parliamentary inquiry commission—a body established in clear violation of Georgian law. The commission, created under politically charged circumstances, summoned Japaridze without any legitimate basis. He has never served in government nor held any official position during the tenure of the United National Movement (UNM), the party the commission was ostensibly investigating. His refusal to participate in what he rightfully called a political spectacle led to the imposition of a 20,000 GEL bail, which he declined to pay as a matter of principle, paving the way for today’s arrest.

His detention follows two days of escalating rhetoric from ruling party officials, who have openly threatened not only opposition leaders but also civil society organizations with criminal prosecution. These statements reflect a coordinated effort to intimidate watchdog groups, activists, and independent voices, reinforcing the fear that Japaridze’s arrest is only the first in a broader campaign of political persecution.

At a time when Georgian citizens are demanding a European future, the ruling party is building fortresses around courtrooms and using the justice system as a tool of oppression.

Civic IDEA warns that this moment marks a transition from backsliding democracy to full-blown authoritarianism. We urge the international democratic community—including the European Union, the United States, the UK and all of Georgia’s partners—to:

  • Condemn this arrest in the strongest possible terms;

  • Demand the immediate release of Zurab Japaridze;

  • Impose targeted sanctions and consequences against those responsible for orchestrating political persecution;

  • Stand visibly and vocally with Georgia’s civil society, which now faces open threats of criminalization.

Georgia’s democracy is in free fall. The time to act is now.

Civic IDEA Calls on the International Community to Act as Arrest of Zurab Japaridze Signals the End of Democratic Pretenses in Georgia Read More »

“The Georgian government is afraid of Russia and constantly thinks about how Moscow will react.” – Tinatin Khidasheli in an interview with Czech media outlet “IROZHLAS”.

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In the interview, Tinatin Khidasheli voices deep concerns about Georgia’s current political direction. She criticizes the ruling Georgian Dream party for drifting away from the European path and leaning toward authoritarianism.

“As long as Georgians are fighting in the streets with European flags, there is still hope,” Khidasheli said in an interview with iROZHLAS.cz, who visited Prague for the Unlock summit organized by the Prague Civil Society Centre.

Read the full article [in Czech] here:

“The Georgian government is afraid of Russia and constantly thinks about how Moscow will react.” – Tinatin Khidasheli in an interview with Czech media outlet “IROZHLAS”. Read More »

Tinatin Khidasheli Joins International Experts in “Demystifying China’s Global Initiatives” Webinar

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Tinatin Khidasheli, chairwoman of Civic IDEA, took part in the international webinar “Demystifying China’s Global Initiatives,” organized by the Institute for Chinese Policymaking (ICP) and Project Synopsis.

This high-level discussion brought together leading global experts—Martin Hála (Director, Project Synopsis), Laura Harth (Global Director, Safeguard Defenders), Charles Burton (Senior Fellow and China-Canada relations expert), and Andrea Calle (Project Director, ICP)—to examine the risks and strategies surrounding China’s growing global influence, particularly through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

The panel presented concrete cases of how the BRI has operated across Europe and North America, exposing patterns of unfulfilled investment promises, elite capture, covert political influence, and threats to national sovereignty.

In her remarks, Tinatin Khidasheli emphasized the importance of democratic vigilance and shared Georgia’s experience in navigating China’s expanding strategic interests. The conversation also included tailored recommendations for Colombia, as it considers participation in the BRI.

📺 Watch the full webinar here:

Tinatin Khidasheli Joins International Experts in “Demystifying China’s Global Initiatives” Webinar Read More »

China’s Harsh Response to EU Sanctions Against Russia and China

Newswire / /

The European Union has approved its 17th sanctions package in response to Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, aiming to curb Russia’s economic and military capabilities. This time, the sanctions target not only Russia’s “shadow fleet” and energy sector but also Chinese companies, prompting a strong protest from China. China deems these measures “unfounded” and accuses the EU of “double standards,” escalating global economic tensions.

The EU’s 17th sanctions package includes restrictions on 189 vessels belonging to Russia’s “shadow fleet,” which are involved in transporting Russian oil. Additionally, the sanctions target three Chinese entities, including state-owned companies, which the EU claims supply Russia with components for unmanned aerial vehicles.

China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, stated that the EU’s sanctions are “unfounded” and violate international law and UN Security Council resolutions. She emphasized China’s support for a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine crisis and its strict control over the export of dual-use products. Mao also noted that European and North American countries, including the US, continue trade relations with Russia, which she called a sign of “double standards.” China declared it would take “necessary measures” to protect its legitimate interests, though specific actions were not detailed.

Ukraine, for its part, presented the EU with a “White Paper” proposing strengthened sanctions, including secondary sanctions on countries like China that purchase Russian oil. This initiative stems from uncertainty in US sanctions policy, positioning the EU as a leader. However, imposing secondary sanctions on China is challenging due to the significant trade relationship between the EU and China and China’s growing economic influence on global markets.

China’s protest against sanctions is not new. In February 2025, following the EU’s 16th sanctions package, China’s Commerce Ministry stated that such measures “negatively impact” trade relations with the EU. It called on the EU to stop sanctioning Chinese companies and individuals, arguing that this contradicts the consensus reached between the two sides’ leaders. China’s consistent stance is that it will not accept sanctions without a response, which could lead to trade restrictions against the EU.

China’s Harsh Response to EU Sanctions Against Russia and China Read More »

How Did Brazil’s First Lady Criticize TikTok in Beijing?

Newswire / /

Tensions have escalated following a state dinner in Beijing between Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Chinese President Xi Jinping. The dinner, hosted by President Xi, did not feature any formal speeches or official statements. Nevertheless, President Lula raised the issue of regulating digital platforms and inquired whether the Chinese government could send an official representative to Brazil to discuss the matter further.

In the wake of this request, Brazil’s First Lady, Rosangela “Janja” da Silva, openly criticized TikTok for promoting what she described as “harmful content.” She cited the tragic case of an 8-year-old Brazilian girl who died after inhaling spray deodorant while participating in a dangerous “deodorant challenge” circulated on the platform. Additionally, media reports indicate that Janja expressed concern over TikTok’s algorithm, claiming it disproportionately promotes right-wing content in Brazil, thereby contributing to political polarization and the spread of disinformation.

Eyewitnesses to the event reported that China’s First Lady, Peng Liyuan, appeared visibly disturbed by Janja’s remarks, reportedly describing them as “disrespectful to Xi Jinping.”

Although the dinner took place behind closed doors, details of the incident were leaked to the media afterward. The presence of official representatives from both countries, including several Brazilian ministers, has raised internal questions and concerns within the Brazilian government. As of now, neither the Chinese delegation nor the Chinese Embassy in Brazil has issued any public statements regarding the matter.

Source: https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3310985/amid-furore-brazils-first-lady-defends-tiktok-remarks-china-state-dinner-hosted-xi

How Did Brazil’s First Lady Criticize TikTok in Beijing? Read More »

Increasing Threat: Space Arms Race Between Great Powers

Newswire / /

The strategic competition between China and the United States is rapidly expanding beyond Earth’s boundaries and into space. Both Chinese and American authorities are raising alarms over escalating military threats in orbit.

In a May 2025 article, China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) warned that the United States’ growing space warfare capabilities are intensifying military rivalry and undermining space security.

The U.S. Space Force recently awarded a $60 million contract to American company Gravitics to develop an advanced orbital transport system capable of launching maneuverable spacecraft within hours. Gravitics aims to demonstrate this “game-changing” system in early 2026.

Michael Guetlein, Vice Chief of Space Operations for the U.S. Space Force, acknowledged the rising military threats in space. He cited China’s 2024 “dogfighting” exercises as a concerning example, along with the potential development of nuclear-armed satellites by Russia.

Newly released documents from the U.S. Space Force reveal Washington’s intent to significantly enhance its military capabilities in orbit. The plans emphasize strengthening command and control mechanisms, achieving space superiority, and minimizing the risk of foreign interference during U.S. space operations.

China’s PLA has expressed deep concern over these developments, viewing America’s initiatives with suspicion. With these rising tensions, space is increasingly becoming a new frontier in the great power competition.

Increasing Threat: Space Arms Race Between Great Powers Read More »

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