China in the South Caucasus and Kyrgyzstan (March 23-29)
Georgia
Georgian Ambassador Participates in Conference in Guangzhou
March 24
Paata Kalandadze, Georgia’s ambassador to the People’s Republic of China, took part in a conference in Guangzhou, where he spoke about Georgia-China bilateral relations and investment opportunities in Georgia.
The conference, titled “New Cooperation Reaching out to Georgia, Mutual Journey of Cooperation & Exchange”, was held on March 20, while the Georgian Embassy published information about it on March 24.
The event was organized by Beka Mikaberidze, founder of the Belt and Road Georgia Business House and representative of the Georgian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Guangzhou. The event was attended by representatives of local authorities, business and investment circles, as well as the media organizations.
Interview with Georgia’s Ambassador Published in Chinese Official Outlet
March 25
An interview with Paata Kalandadze, Georgia’s ambassador to the People’s Republic of China, was published in the Chinese outlet People’s Daily. The Georgian Embassy released information about this on March 25.
In the interview, the ambassador discussed Georgia-China bilateral relations, with particular attention paid to education, tourism, and the deepening of ties between the two countries.
The interview also addresses the strengthening of trade and economic relations, the importance of the free trade agreement, and prospects for future cooperation.
Kalandadze also highlighted visa-free travel between Georgia and China, Georgia’s transit potential, and the state’s role in developing the Middle Corridor.
Georgia and China Sign Memorandum on Sports Cooperation
March 25
On March 25, Minister of Sports of Georgia Shalva Gogoladze met with Gao Zhidan, Minister of the General Administration of Sport of China. During the meeting, the sides signed a memorandum of cooperation in the field of sports.
The document is intended to deepen relations between the two countries in the sports sector and includes the organization of joint training camps, stronger cooperation in international sporting events, and further development of ties between sports organizations.
The working meeting of the two ministers was also attended by Deputy Sports Minister Irakli Dolaberidze, Georgia’s ambassador to China Paata Kalandadze, Georgian Table Tennis Federation President Guram Gogoladze, and representatives of the sports ministries of both countries and the Georgian Embassy.
Georgian Sports Minister Meets Representatives of Taishan Group in China
March 26
On March 26, Minister of Sports of Georgia Shalva Gogoladze met representatives of the Chinese sports equipment manufacturer Taishan Group.
Led by the minister, the delegation held talks with company board chairman Pien Zhiliang and vice president Man Fangfang. During the visit, the delegation also toured the Taishan Group museum and factories, where it observed the production process.
The sides discussed prospects for future cooperation, including equipping sports infrastructure in Georgia with sports equipment and innovative systems that meet international standards.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Minister Irakli Dolaberidze, heads of various Taishan Group departments, Georgian Table Tennis Federation President Guram Gogoladze, and representatives of the Georgian Sports Ministry and Embassy.
Georgia-China Trade Turnover Shows Growth at the Start of 2026
March 27
Georgia-China trade relations showed a growth trend in January-February 2026.
According to a March 27 article by Business Insider Georgia, based on Geostat data, exports from Georgia to China reached USD 147.1 million during the period, up 289.1% compared with the same period of 2025. At the same time, imports from China rose to USD 310.7 million, reflecting year-on-year growth of 28.4%.
In terms of export structure, precious metal ores and concentrates accounted for the largest volume of Georgian exports to China. Other leading export products included copper ores and concentrates, spices, instruments and devices used in medicine and veterinary practice, as well as natural grape wines.
On the import side, the main products entering Georgia from China were diodes, transistors and similar semiconductor devices, electric generating sets and rotary converters, passenger cars, flat-rolled carbon steel products, as well as poultry meat and edible offal.
The article stresses that Georgia-China trade relations continue to maintain upward momentum and that China remains one of Georgia’s leading trade partners.
Georgian Wine Presented at Exhibitions in Chengdu
March 27
On March 26-27, Georgian wine-producing companies showcased Georgian wine at international exhibitions underway in Chengdu, China.
With financial and organizational support from the National Wine Agency, Georgian wine was presented at the Fine Wineseer and Fine Wine Hotel Exhibition fairs, and will also be showcased this week in the China Food & Drinks Fair.
As part of the Fine Wine Hotel Exhibition, a Georgian wine tasting seminar was also held and led by Master of Wine Fongyee Walker. Around 100 guests attended the event, including wine experts, importers, and representatives of the HoReCa sector. Wines from eight Georgian companies were presented at the tasting.
According to the National Wine Agency, participation in these events is aimed at increasing awareness of Georgian wine, finding new partners, and strengthening export positions. The agency notes that China is one of the strategic markets for Georgian wine, where an active marketing campaign has been underway since 2013.
Georgia’s Sports Ministry Delegation Visits China
March 27
From March 23 to 27, a delegation from Georgia’s Sports Ministry paid a working visit to the People’s Republic of China.
During the visit, Deputy Minister Irakli Dolaberidze visited Beijing Sport University, where the sides discussed prospects for sports education, exchange programs, and joint training projects.
The Georgian delegation also attended the 10th World Junior Wushu Championships in Tianjin. Georgian Sports Minister Shalva Gogoladze, Irakli Dolaberidze, and Georgia’s ambassador to China, Paata Kalandadze, met members of Georgia’s national wushu team.
In addition, a meeting was held with Yufing Zhang, secretary general of the International Wushu Federation, where the sides discussed promoting wushu in Georgia and supporting the development of the sport.
Azerbaijan
Xi Jinping Says China Is Ready to Deepen Partnership with Azerbaijan
March 23
On March 23, the official website of Azerbaijan’s president published a letter from Chinese President Xi Jinping congratulating President Ilham Aliyev on the Nowruz holiday.
In the letter, Xi Jinping states that China and Azerbaijan are “comprehensive strategic partners.” In his assessment, political trust between the two countries has strengthened in recent years, while cooperation across various fields has developed steadily.
The Chinese president said he attaches great importance to the development of China-Azerbaijan relations and is ready to work together with Ilham Aliyev to take bilateral cooperation to a new stage.
Sahiba Gafarova Meets Chair of China’s National People’s Congress
March 25
On March 25 in Beijing, Speaker of Azerbaijan’s Milli Meclis Sahiba Gafarova met Zhao Leji, chairman of the Standing Committee of China’s National People’s Congress. The sides discussed deepening bilateral political, economic, and parliamentary cooperation.
The meeting noted that Azerbaijan-China relations have, in recent years, developed to the level of a strategic partnership. The sides highlighted active contacts between leaders, stronger parliamentary ties, and an increase in bilateral visits.
Gafarova reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s support for the “One China” policy, while the Chinese side expressed support for Azerbaijan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The meeting also reviewed trade, transport, and humanitarian cooperation, including the importance of the Middle Corridor, direct air links, and the prospect of visa-free travel.
The sides also discussed expanding cooperation in digital development, artificial intelligence, and green energy. Particular attention was paid to strengthening institutional ties between the two parliaments.
Sahiba Gafarova Speaks on Azerbaijan-China Relations at Boao Forum
March 26
As part of her working visit to China, Speaker of Azerbaijan’s Milli Meclis Sahiba Gafarova addressed the annual conference of the Boao Forum for Asia on March 26, where she spoke about China’s international role and Azerbaijan-China relations.
Gafarova said that amid rising geopolitical tensions, dialogue and cooperation have become a necessity, while the Boao Forum is an important platform for practical solutions and international cooperation under such conditions.
According to her, China plays an important and constructive role in modern international relations, and Azerbaijan supports Beijing’s global development, security, civilization, and governance initiatives.
The speaker also said that Azerbaijan and China share common visions, while high-level visits held recently and documents signed on a strategic partnership point to a deepening of political dialogue and mutual trust between the two countries.
Azerbaijan-China Trade Turnover Rises at the Start of 2026
March 28
Trade turnover between Azerbaijan and China totaled USD 779.4 million in January-February 2026, up 4.6% compared with the same period last year. Trend reported this, citing data from Azerbaijan’s State Customs Committee.
According to the outlet, China accounted for 12.44% of Azerbaijan’s foreign trade turnover during the period and ranked third among the country’s largest trade partners. At the same time, China became Azerbaijan’s main import partner.
In January-February, Azerbaijan’s exports to China totaled USD 21.6 million, nearly doubling year on year. Imports from China rose to USD 757.8 million, marking a 3.2% increase.
Overall, Azerbaijan’s total foreign trade turnover for the period amounted to USD 6.264 billion, of which USD 3.66 billion came from exports and USD 2.59 billion from imports. As a result, the country maintained a positive trade balance of USD 1.06 billion.
Azerbaijan-China Cultural Relations Discussed at Dunhuang Conference
March 28
Agshin Aliyev, head of the Azerbaijani Language Department at Beijing Foreign Studies University and a doctor of philology, spoke on March 28 at an international scientific conference held in Dunhuang, China.
In his remarks, Aliyev said that the declaration on comprehensive strategic partnership signed between Azerbaijan and China in April 2025 had taken cultural cooperation between the two countries to a new stage.
In his assessment, the historical ties between Azerbaijan and China, both located along the Silk Road, have long been a focus of Azerbaijani researchers. He said Dunhuang, as an important Silk Road center, historically played a special role in shaping cultural dialogue in this space and continues to maintain that function today.
The event, titled “Dunhuang Culture, Bamboo Manuscripts and the International Popularization of Chinese Culture”, was attended by more than 100 participants from six countries.
Abbasov: China Is a Reliable Partner for Azerbaijan
March 29
Rafig Abbasov, director of the Confucius Institute at the Azerbaijan University of Languages, says China is a reliable partner for Azerbaijan. He made the statement in an interview with China’s Xinhua news agency.
According to Abbasov, the partnership between Azerbaijan and China is developing dynamically in the political, economic, and humanitarian spheres. He also said that Baku and Beijing are actively strengthening cooperation within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative.
Assessing humanitarian ties, Abbasov said interest in the Chinese language in Azerbaijan is growing year by year, along with attention to Chinese culture, history, and contemporary life.
According to him, over the past ten years, the Confucius Institute in Baku has already taught Chinese to more than 4,000 students through 13 branches, scientific organizations, and various universities and schools.
Abbasov said student exchanges and youth educational events have turned the institute into an important platform for cultural exchange and people-to-people diplomacy between Azerbaijan and China.
Armenia
Yerevan State University Students Visit Chinese Embassy
March 27
On March 27, members of the Student Scientific Society of the Faculty of International Relations at Yerevan State University paid an academic visit to the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Armenia.
During the visit, the students met members of the diplomatic corps, who briefed them on the current dynamics of Armenia-China cooperation and possible future directions.
Particular attention at the meeting was devoted to issues raised by the students, including their experience in Chinese studies, prospects for bilateral educational and cultural ties, as well as existing challenges and new opportunities.
After the formal part ended, the meeting continued in a question-and-answer format, enabling future international relations specialists to engage directly with diplomats on professional issues of interest to them.
Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan Discusses Infrastructure Projects with CSCEC
March 24
Ravshanbek Sabirov, head of the National Investment Agency under the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, held a meeting on March 24 with representatives of China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC).
According to the National Investment Agency, cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and CSCEC has entered a new stage following their first meeting in Beijing.
The sides discussed infrastructure and investment projects, including roads, bridges, railways, energy, and urban development, and also reviewed the use of green and digital technologies.
At the end of the meeting, the parties confirmed their readiness to deepen long-term cooperation and develop specific projects.
More Than 5,000 People Involved in Construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Railway
March 24
More than 5,000 people and over 5,600 units of equipment are involved in construction work on the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project, according to data from Kyrgyzstan’s Cabinet of Ministers cited by 24.kg.
According to 24.kg, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Erlist Akunbekov held a working meeting on March 24 on the progress of the project. At this stage, the main design materials have already been prepared and coordination with the relevant agencies is underway.
The outlet says that more than 3.5 million cubic meters of earthworks have already been completed at the construction sites. The main works within the project include tunneling, moving earth masses, and bridge construction.
Kyrgyz authorities say they will provide the support and coordination needed for the implementation of the project. Akunbekov also stressed the need to strictly observe safety norms and environmental requirements.
Chinese Ambassador Meets Kyrgyz Emergency Situations Minister
March 25
China’s ambassador to Kyrgyzstan, Liu Jianping, met Kyrgyz Emergency Situations Minister Kanatbek Chinibayev. During the March 25 meeting, the sides discussed deepening cooperation in emergency management.
According to the Chinese Embassy, the ambassador congratulated the minister on his appointment and said cooperation between Beijing and Bishkek has reached an unprecedentedly high level in various areas. He added that the Chinese side is ready to work with Kyrgyzstan to speed up relevant projects and strengthen cooperation in the training and professional development of specialists.
Kanatbek Chinibayev positively assessed the results of the development of bilateral relations and thanked the Chinese side for the support Kyrgyzstan receives in disaster prevention, damage reduction, and emergency management.
The minister said Bishkek is ready to respond to global challenges through close cooperation with Beijing.
Kyrgyz Energy Minister’s Official Visit to China
March 26
Kyrgyz Energy Minister Taalaibek Ibraev held meetings with Chinese energy and technology companies during a working visit to China.
A memorandum was signed between Kyrgyzstan’s Energy Ministry and the Chinese corporation ShuiFa Group, providing for cooperation in energy infrastructure.
The document concerns the development of charging stations and energy storage systems. According to the Kyrgyz side, the move will help modernize the country’s energy sector and support the development of sustainable transport infrastructure.
During the visit, the minister also met Yulin Lian, founder and chief executive officer of NUCL New Energy Tech. The sides discussed the development of charging infrastructure for electric vehicles and the introduction of modern technological solutions.
In addition, the Kyrgyz delegation held talks with representatives of Zhejiang Anfu Energy. The sides discussed the supply of equipment for charging stations designed for electric transport and possibilities for localizing the technologies.
Chinese Ambassador and Bishkek Mayor Agree to Expand Cooperation
March 27
Chinese Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan Liu Jianping met with Bishkek Mayor Aibek Junushaliev. According to the Chinese Embassy, the meeting took place on March 27, and the sides discussed deepening China-Kyrgyzstan cooperation.
According to the Chinese side, cooperation with Bishkek has produced significant results in recent years in ecology, infrastructure, and humanitarian areas. The embassy said a waste processing plant in Bishkek has already been launched, while road network reconstruction and ring road construction projects are underway.
The ambassador said Beijing is ready to continue supporting the expansion of cooperation between Bishkek and Chinese cities and provinces, including through the sharing of urban governance experience.
For his part, Aibek Junushaliev thanked the Chinese side for its long-term support for Kyrgyzstan and said he is ready to further strengthen cooperation for the implementation of mutually beneficial projects.
China Southern Airlines Launches New Guangzhou-Bishkek Route
March 29
On March 29, Chinese airline China Southern Airlines operated its first Guangzhou-Bishkek-Guangzhou flight. According to official information, this is an important event for Kyrgyzstan’s aviation sector, and the new route was launched as a result of cooperation with the Chinese side.
According to the official announcement, regular flights will operate twice a week, on Wednesdays and Sundays. In the Kyrgyz side’s assessment, the launch of the new air route will contribute both to the development of passenger and cargo transportation and to the deepening of transport, economic, and humanitarian ties between Kyrgyzstan and China.
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