Civicidea

China in the South Caucasus and Uzbekistan (March 2-8)

Weekly news / /

Georgia

Georgian Ambassador Meets Representative of China’s Parliament

March 2

On February 27, Georgia’s Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China, Paata Kalandadze, held a meeting with Wang Wen, Director General of the Foreign Affairs Bureau of the General Office of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China. Information about the meeting was published by the Embassy of Georgia on March 2.

During the meeting, the parties discussed issues related to deepening bilateral relations between Georgia and China. Particular attention was paid to the prospects for strengthening cooperation between the legislative bodies of the two countries.

The sides emphasized the importance of strengthening ties in the parliamentary sphere, which, in their assessment, would contribute to the further development of bilateral relations.

Chinese companies deepen role in Georgia’s wind energy sector

March 3

Chinese companies are strengthening their presence in Georgia’s renewable energy sector through the construction of the Ruisi wind farm, the country’s largest wind power project currently under development. Information about the above was published on March 3 on Xinhua News Agency.

Located near Gori in central Georgia, the 206-megawatt project is being built with the participation of Chinese wind turbine manufacturer Goldwind, which is supplying turbines and taking part in construction, as well as future operation and maintenance.

Despite harsh winter weather and difficult construction conditions, the project has continued to advance. Once completed, the wind farm is expected to provide electricity for around 200,000 households and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by about 400,000 tons annually.

The project highlights growing China-Georgia cooperation in the energy sector, as Georgia looks to expand its renewable power capacity in the coming years.

The opening sessions of China’s “Two Sessions” were held in Beijing

March 5

On March 4-5, the opening meetings of China’s “Two Sessions” were held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. On March 4, the Fourth Session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference opened, while on March 5, the Fourth Session of the 14th National People’s Congress commenced.

The “Two Sessions” constitute one of the most important annual political events in China. Within this framework, the annual sessions of the country’s highest legislative body and highest political consultative body are held, during which the main directions of the country’s development, the priorities of economic and social policy, the state budget, as well as other important legislative and governmental matters are discussed.

The 2026 sessions address the country’s economic and social development priorities, including the outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development (2026-2030).

Representatives of diplomatic missions accredited to China were invited to attend the opening meetings. The Ambassador of Georgia to the People’s Republic of China, Mr. Paata Kalandadze, attended the events as a guest of honor.

Georgian Ambassador Meets China-CEEC Secretariat

March 6

On March 6, Paata Kalandadze, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Georgia, held a meeting with H.E. Ambassador Chen Guoyou, the Special Representative for China-CEEC Cooperation Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PRC.

The discussion focused on the prospects of Georgia’s active engagement within the China-CEEC framework, highlighting the country’s strategic role in the development of the Middle Corridor. The meeting also addressed future cooperation Dynamics.

Azerbaijan

Chinese Embassy in Baku receives citizens evacuated from Iran

March 3

The Chinese Embassy in Azerbaijan received Chinese citizens evacuated from Iran and assisted them in returning safely to their homeland. According to Xinhua, on March 3, 48 Chinese citizens were transported to the Caspian Business Hotel in Baku after arriving in Azerbaijan as part of the evacuation from Iran.

The outlet reported that, in recent days, more than 260 Chinese citizens in total have crossed from Iran into Azerbaijan. The process was coordinated by the Chinese Embassy in Azerbaijan.

The Xinhua News Agency report notes that the Azerbaijani government provided significant support to Beijing in facilitating the entry of Chinese citizens into the country. According to the Chinese ambassador, this cooperation reflects the strategic partnership between China and Azerbaijan.

AZERTAC, Xinhua highlight long-standing media partnership

March 6

Azerbaijan’s state news agency AZERTAC and China’s Xinhua News Agency have hailed their 23-year cooperation as an example of strong media partnership.

During a meeting on March 6, in Baku, AZERTAC Chairman Vugar Aliyev and Xinhua Eurasia Bureau Deputy Director Wei Kang discussed long-standing ties, information exchange, and future cooperation. The sides said their partnership reflects broader Azerbaijan-China relations and stressed the importance of fighting fake news and promoting objective reporting.

Armenia

Armenia Served as an evacuation route for Chinese Citizens Leaving Iran

March 4

On March 4, China’s Foreign Ministry said Chinese nationals leaving Iran could evacuate through several neighboring countries, including Armenia via the Agarak border crossing. Beijing also noted that Chinese citizens could enter Armenia visa-free with passports. Chinese diplomatic missions were deployed to the border crossings to assist evacuees.

Uzbekistan

A China-Uzbekistan Business Forum Was Held in Tashkent

March 3

On March 3, Chinese and Uzbek representatives held a business forum in Tashkent aimed at deepening bilateral trade and investment ties.

The forum had been presented in advance by Uzbekistan’s Investment Ministry as a platform for direct dialogue between the business communities of Uzbekistan and China, with discussions expected to focus on investment potential, industrial cooperation, and practical steps for joint projects.

According to Eurasianet, Chinese executives nevertheless held meetings with Uzbek counterparts from the Investment Ministry, Agriculture Ministry, and Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

China in the South Caucasus and Uzbekistan (March 2-8) Read More »

U.S. Sides With China and Russia on UN Nuclear Safety Resolution

Newswire, ერთი ახალი ამბავი / /

On March 5, during a meeting of the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the United States took the same position as China and Russia for the first time, declining to support a resolution that warned about nuclear safety risks resulting from attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.

The U.S. interim representative to the agency, Howard Solomon, stated that Washington recognizes the risks created by attacks on Ukraine’s energy system and supports measures aimed at ensuring the safety of nuclear power plants. However, he said the United States could not support a resolution that ’’would not help achieve peace between Ukraine and Russia’’.

China also did not support the resolution. On issues related to the Ukraine conflict, including nuclear safety, Beijing has traditionally emphasized the importance of resolving the conflict through diplomatic means and dialogue.

In particular, representatives of China’s Foreign Ministry stated several times in 2026 that Beijing supports all international efforts aimed at a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine crisis and believes that ’’dialogue and negotiations are the only way to resolve the crisis’’.

According to China’s official position, the safety of nuclear facilities is a shared responsibility of the international community, and actions that could increase nuclear risks or escalate the conflict must be avoided. Beijing also states that it is not a party to the conflict and seeks to maintain what it describes as an ’’objective and impartial position’’.

Thus, it appears that on international platforms, China seeks to maintain a neutral stance, supports negotiations and de-escalation, and rarely directly blames any party in its official statements.

Ultimately, the resolution was adopted by a majority vote. The issue remains especially significant in the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine, as attacks on the country’s energy infrastructure have repeatedly raised concerns about the safety of its nuclear power plants.

According to Reuters, the U.S. decision reflects the diplomatic complexities that currently shape both the convergence and divergence of major powers’ interests within international institutions.

Author: Mariam Simsive 

U.S. Sides With China and Russia on UN Nuclear Safety Resolution Read More »

Another attack on Tinatin Khidasheli and Civic IDEA

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Tbilisi Mayor and Secretary General of Georgian Dream Kakha Kaladze erupted in fury after former Defense Minister and Civic IDEA chair Tinatin Khidasheli publicly flagged a non-accredited institution in Georgia, citing its alleged ties to Iran’s political-religious elite and demanding transparency from authorities. Rather than refute her claims, he lashed out, accusing her of treason, foreign meddling, and, most revealingly,  branding her and fellow critics as “the biggest terrorists in this country,” urging state bodies to act.

This explosive reaction was triggered by The Hill’s article “Georgia is Becoming a Hub for Iran to Circumvent Sanctions”, which is based on Civic IDEA’s research on surging Iranian companies and networks. This once again highlights the critical value of Western media partnerships in exposing uncomfortable truths and amplifying independent voices.

Kaladze’s reaction is striking as his party is recklessly showing off its pro-Iran leanings these days. Just days ago, it openly mourned Iran’s supreme leader and people amid the Middle East escalation, all while posturing as a neutral bystander.

Giorgi Volski, Georgia’s Parliament First Deputy Speaker, also dismissed Civic IDEA’s report and The Hill article on Iranian sanction evasion via Georgia as baseless fiction, “no such fact exists, nor will it”, while accusing the researchers of foreign-dictated immorality aimed at deteriorating the country. His knee-jerk obscure denial only attacked the source and ignored the substance.

Meanwhile, Georgian Dream’s denialist duo, Parliament First Deputy Speaker Giorgi Volski and Vice Speaker Nino Tsilosani, sprang into action very quickly. Volski flatly declared Civic IDEA’s report and The Hill article “baseless fiction” that “does not exist in reality,” accusing researchers of foreign-dictated “immorality” bent on wrecking Georgia, while Tsilosani branded it “complete disinformation” funded by “Nazi” lobbies (seems like a group is having a trouble deciding between “terrorists”, “Nazis”, and “multi-ranking agent” as a defamating insult). Tsilosani’s warning Khidasheli and Gigauri could “torch the country despite Iran trade being a measly 1.36% of imports”. Georgian Dream is panicking and it shows since being cornered by facts, all they’re doing is screaming “conspiracy” and hope the nonsense sticks.

Khidasheli’s comments were grounded in evidence-based research by Hudson Institute and obviously, Civic IDEA’s own recent report Behind the Barrels: Iranian Oil and Political Ties in Georgia. That report documented how economic and political links between Iranian entities and interests in Georgia, particularly around the importation of Iranian petroleum products and associated networks, raise real concerns about transparency, national sovereignty, and sanctions compliance. 

Old Tricks, Fresh Narrative

This specific incident is, of course, not an isolated flare-up but part of a broader pattern of political pressure on civil society. For many months, senior state officials have pursued a campaign to discredit NGOs, portraying them as agents of foreign interests.

Most recently, the Speaker of Parliament, Shalva Papuashvili, openly accused Civic IDEA and its leadership of serving as vehicles for “European money… against Georgia’s interests” to influence foreign policy, without offering any evidence to support these claims.

The most recent attack on Tinatin and Civic IDEA was due to our China reports (1; 2; 3; etc).

These attacks coincide with yet another new legislation targeting civil society. The Georgian Parliament has passed amendments expanding government control over foreign funding, grants, political activity, and external lobbying. The new law broadens the definition of a “grant” to include nearly any financial or in-kind support that could influence Georgian policy or public life. Receiving such funds without prior government approval now carries criminal penalties, including imprisonment. These provisions are following a textbook trajectory of Russia in 2012 and later crackdowns in Belarus, where administrative burdens, public labelling and criminal liability steadily shrank civic space. They did this by putting independent organizations and media at risk of arbitrary prosecution, restrict democratic space, and stifle dissent.

For readers seeking the full context behind these discussions, Civic IDEA’s two major investigative reports—“Georgian Dream’s Anti-Western Policy: How Iranian Companies Are Using Georgia to Bypass Sanctions” and “Behind the Barrels: Iranian Oil and Political Ties in Georgia”—have been central in driving public debate and exposing key economic and political linkages with Iran.

Another attack on Tinatin Khidasheli and Civic IDEA Read More »

EU to Strengthen Local Production, Reduce Reliance on China

Newswire, ერთი ახალი ამბავი / /

On March 4, the European Commission put forward a new industrial policy proposal aimed at boosting EU manufacturing and reducing dependency on Chinese imports. The plan is called the Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA).

Under this proposal, companies seeking to participate in public procurement or receive subsidies would be required to meet a minimum share of locally produced components. The rules would particularly apply to sectors critical to the green transition, including steel, aluminium, cement, wind turbines, and electric vehicles, areas where China is a major global supplier.

According to European Union officials, the initiative aims to strengthen EU industrial capacity, increase economic autonomy, and promote domestic production of green technologies.

The proposal has generated differing views among EU member states and business groups. Supporters argue that local content requirements are already in place in major economies such as the United States, China, Brazil, and India, and that similar measures help protect and develop domestic manufacturing. They contend that the EU should adopt a comparable approach to maintain competitiveness and strengthen strategic sectors.

Critics warn that strict rules could heighten trade tensions with partner countries and have a negative impact on the investment climate, including reducing opportunities to attract foreign capital.

The initiative is seen as a significant shift in EU trade policy, particularly in the context of economic relations with China. Currently, a substantial share of the EU’s green technologies depends on Chinese imports, giving the issue strategic importance.

Analysts say that the final content of the legislation and its practical implementation mechanisms will determine whether the EU can strengthen industrial resilience and economic autonomy without simultaneously intensifying trade tensions with Beijing.

The initiative will continue to be discussed between the European Parliament and member states, a process that will shape the future direction of the EU’s economic strategy amid global competition and geoeconomic shifts.

EU to Strengthen Local Production, Reduce Reliance on China Read More »

The Hill – “Georgia is becoming Iran’s sanctions evasion hub.”

New / /

On February 26, the American newspaper The Hill published an article titled: “Georgia is becoming Iran’s sanctions evasion hub.” The article discusses the growing involvement and business operations of individuals and companies linked to the Islamic Republic of Iran. The author also highlights frequent diplomatic exchanges between Georgian Dream and the Islamic Republic.

The author concludes that Georgia, which was once America’s closest partner in the South Caucasus, is creating a favorable environment for hostile influences and for evading international sanctions. Therefore, Washington should clearly demonstrate that the actions of Georgian Dream will have consequences.

It is noteworthy that in analyzing the economic interests of the Islamic Republic in Georgia, the author cites a new study by Civic IDEA titled “Behind The Barrels: Iranian Oil and Political Ties in Georgia.”

For more details, please see the full article:

Georgia is becoming Iran’s sanctions evasion hub.

The Hill – “Georgia is becoming Iran’s sanctions evasion hub.” Read More »

Georgian Dream’s Stance on Iran: Diplomatic Neutrality or Tacit Support?

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Amid joint U.S.–Israeli military actions targeting the political and military establishment of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia issued a carefully worded diplomatic statement on March 1, expressing concern over the developments in the Middle East and calling for de-escalation:

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia is closely monitoring the situation in the Middle East with attention and deep concern. We emphasize the importance of diplomatic efforts to achieve de-escalation and ensure stability in the region.”

The following day, on March 2, the Georgian Dream government released another statement, expressing solidarity with all parties involved in the conflict, including the Islamic Republic of Iran, Israel, and the Arab Gulf states, and reiterating its call for diplomacy and political dialogue:

“The Georgian government is monitoring the ongoing hostilities in the Middle East with deep concern, as they threaten the security and prosperity of all countries in the region.

We express our condolences to the Iranian people and the Islamic Republic of Iran, where the ongoing hostilities have claimed the lives of many individuals, including the Supreme Leader, other political leaders, innocent civilians, and dozens of children.

We also express our condolences to our friend, the Jewish people, and to Israel for the loss of civilian lives as a result of the hostilities.

The Georgian government expresses full solidarity with the Arab countries of the Gulf, with which Georgia has a special partnership.

We express hope that peace will be restored in the Middle East in the near future, and that hostilities will be replaced by diplomacy and political dialogue.”

However, the expression of solidarity with the Islamic Republic of Iran in these statements casts doubt on Georgian Dream’s pacifist calls. Ivanishvili’s party is publicly showcasing support for a terrorist regime whose repressions have claimed the lives of thousands of innocent people.

In parallel to Georgian Dream’s diplomatically framed and ostensibly pacifist statements, several Georgia-based organizations operating under direct state control issued statements expressing condolences over the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei.

On March 1, the Administration of All Muslims of Georgia published a statement offering condolences to the Iranian people, as well as to the family and relatives of the Supreme Leader:

“As is known, Sayyid Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, was killed yesterday as a result of an attack on his office in Tehran. The Administration of All Muslims of Georgia expresses its condolences to his family, relatives, and the Iranian people.”

On the same day, the Sheikh of the Administration of All Muslims of Georgia, Faig Nabiev, posted a separate statement on his personal Facebook page, extending condolences to Khamenei’s family, the Iranian people, and Muslims worldwide:

“The news of the martyrdom of Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution of Iran, a great scholar and Marjaʿ-i Taqlid, has plunged the entire Islamic world into deep sorrow. This is a tremendous spiritual loss not only for the Iranian people, but for the entire Muslim Ummah.”

Another statement, issued on behalf of the Administration of All Muslims of Georgia by Mirtagi Asadov, described Khamenei’s killing as a “grave and horrific loss” for the Islamic world. According to Asadov, “the enemies of humanity, child killers, and imperialist forces responsible for such acts must be held accountable under international law.”

Asadov’s statement received particular praise from the Iranian Embassy in Georgia, which, in a Facebook post published on March 2, expressed its ‘sincere gratitude’ to him.

It is particularly troubling that all individuals who publicly expressed solidarity with the Islamic Republic of Iran are affiliated with organizations under direct state control. Since 2011, the Administration of All Muslims of Georgia has operated as a Legal Entity under Public Law (LEPL). Faig Nabiev serves as its Sheikh and one of its senior officials. Mirtagi Asadov, who likewise publicly mourned Khamenei’s death, is the chairperson of another LEPL — the Supreme Religious Administration of Georgia’s All Muslims.

Since 2014, these organizations have been funded directly from the state budget. On January 16, 2026, Georgia’s State Agency for Religious Issues announced that it had allocated 4,150,000 GEL to the country’s Muslim community.

Notably, the Administration of All Muslims of Georgia maintains close ties with the Iranian Embassy in Georgia and individuals connected to the Islamic Republic of Iran. On February 17 of this year, Sheikh Faig Nabiev hosted Iran’s newly appointed ambassador to Georgia, Ali Moujani, extending his best wishes for success in his diplomatic mission. In 2025, representatives of the Administration also visited Iran, where they met with local clerics and representatives of Iranian charity organizations.

Thus, in response to the ongoing developments in the Middle East, Georgian Dream’s ‘neutral’ and ‘pacifist’ calls are overshadowed by its publicly declared support for the Islamic Republic of Iran. Statements from representatives of state-controlled organizations further point to the government’s covert pro-Iran stance. The positions expressed by these organizations once again underscore Georgian Dream’s tacit support and inaction regarding Iranian influence in Georgia.

Georgian Dream’s Stance on Iran: Diplomatic Neutrality or Tacit Support? Read More »

China condemns strikes on Iran, calls for a ceasefire

Newswire / /

On March 1, China described the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran as ’’unacceptable’’, warned of the risk of destabilisation in the Gulf region, and urged an immediate ceasefire and a resumption of negotiations.

In an official readout, Foreign Minister Wang Yi, speaking by phone with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, said it was unacceptable for the United States and Israel to attack Iran while U.S.-Iran talks were underway.

According to Wang, the strikes run counter to the fundamental principles of the UN Charter and signal a rejection of resolving the conflict through diplomatic means. He also criticised what he characterised as the targeted ’’elimination’’ of a sovereign state’s leader and said any actions aimed at facilitating regime change were unacceptable.

Ambassador and representative of China to the United Nations, Fu Cong, said Beijing was ’’deeply saddened’’ by civilian casualties, stressing that in armed conflict the ’’red line’’ of protecting civilians must not be crossed.

Fu Cong’s remarks came as Reuters reported that an emergency UN Security Council meeting was convened on February 28 at the request of China and Russia. Both sides called for an end to escalation and the activation of diplomatic mechanisms to address the crisis.

Chinese state media also reported Beijing’s position, emphasising China’s opposition to the use of force and urging the parties to pursue de-escalation through negotiations within the framework of international law.

China’s tough criticism is not only political, but significant economic considerations also shape it. If instability in the Gulf region becomes prolonged, China’s energy supply routes could quickly come under pressure: shipping and insurance costs would rise, driving up import bills. The Strait of Hormuz is one of Asia’s most important transit corridors. U.S. data indicate that most oil and liquefied natural gas passing through the strait is bound for Asian markets, with China among the largest importers.

Author: Mariam Simsive

China condemns strikes on Iran, calls for a ceasefire Read More »

China accuses the Philippines of undermining stability in the South China Sea

Newswire / /

On February 27, China’s People’s Liberation Army said, they conducted a routine patrol in the South China Sea from February 23 to 26, accusing the Philippines of ‘’undermining peace and stability’’ in the region. Beijing argues that Manila is conducting joint military patrols together with ‘’countries outside the region’’.

In a statement, the PLA’s Southern Theatre Command said Chinese forces would ‘’resolutely safeguard’’ the country’s territorial sovereignty as well as its maritime rights and interests, while maintaining ‘’peace and stability’’ in the area. Chinese state media also reported the patrol, echoing Beijing’s criticism of the Philippines.

China’s remarks came as the Philippine armed forces said the navies of the Philippines, the United States and Japan held joint drills in the South China Sea this week. Manila described the exercise as aimed at strengthening military cooperation with its allies.

Beijing regularly criticizes the growing involvement of the United States and its partners in the South China Sea, claiming such cooperation increases the risk of military incidents and escalation.

Meanwhile, recent developments suggest tensions are not limited to official statements. A Reuters investigation reported military and intelligence-related movements along routes that pass near the Philippines or cross areas within its maritime zone, including strategic directions linked to Taiwan.

Particular attention remains on the Bashi Channel, a stretch of sea between Taiwan and the Philippines. The channel is considered a key route, as it is one of the main gateways toward the Pacific Ocean.

Author: Mariam Simsive

China accuses the Philippines of undermining stability in the South China Sea Read More »

Chinese Company Enters Georgia’s Renewable Energy Sector

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In recent years, both Georgian Dream and Chinese officials have placed strong emphasis on cooperation in the field of new and renewable energy. On January 21, the Ambassador of China to Georgia, Zhou Qian, stated that Georgia–China cooperation “now involves more sectors and has reached a more advanced level.” As a prime example of this evolving collaboration, the ambassador highlighted the participation of a Chinese company in the Gori Wind Electropower project.

The Gori Wind Electropower project, officially known as the Ruisi Wind Farm Project, envisages the construction, development, and operation of a wind power facility with an installed capacity of 206 MW in the Gori and Kareli municipalities of Georgia. The project has been financed with an amount of 119 million USD by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

In 2024, the Chinese company Goldwind Science & Technology Co. Ltd won a state tender announced for the provision of installation and 15-year operation of 33 wind turbines. In January 2026, Goldwind completed the installation of the first turbine. According to the company, once installation is fully concluded, the wind farm will generate approximately 600 GWh of electricity annually.

The Chinese Ambassador assessed Goldwind’s success in the tender as one of the “significant achievements” of Chinese companies in Georgia. From Georgia’s perspective, however, this development underscores the growing involvement of China’s major energy companies in the country’s emerging energy sector.

Goldwind Science & Technology is a Chinese transnational company that provides products and services related to clean energy infrastructure. A closer examination of the company reveals its close ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). As of September 30, 2025, part of the company’s shares were owned by state-owned entities, including Xinjiang Wind Power Co. (11.78%) and China Three Gorges Renewables Co., Ltd. (9.16%). The latter is a subsidiary of China Three Gorges Corporation, which, in January 2020, was designated as a Chinese military company by the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control.

Goldwind is also associated with another sanctioned Chinese entity, the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps (XPCC). In 2020, Goldwind signed a contract with XPCC to supply power to one of the organization’s settlements. XPCC is a state-owned economic and paramilitary organization that exercises control over the Xinjiang region and has been sanctioned by both the United States and the European Union due to its involvement in serious and systematic human rights abuses against Uyghur Muslim minorities in China.

The company’s management structure is likewise closely linked to the CCP. Goldwind’s founder and executive director, Wu Gang, is a member of the CCP and has been awarded a commemorative medal by the CCP Central Committee, the State Council, and the Central Military Commission. Publicly available information also indicates that Wu Gang has advocated for the CCP’s repressive policies toward Uyghurs, having participated in a Chinese government campaign promoting ideological education among ethnic minorities in Xinjiang.

Within China, Goldwind’s operations have been associated with environmentally unfriendly and non-compliant practices, including illegal land occupation, excessive pollutant discharges, and noise pollution. For these violations, the company and its subsidiaries have been subjected to administrative penalties over the years, with cumulative fines amounting to 52.0991 million yuan.

On February 3, the European Union launched a formal investigation into Goldwind’s activities under the EU’s Foreign Subsidies Regulation, amid concerns that the company may have received subsidies from the Chinese government. In response, China’s Ministry of Commerce condemned the EU probe, characterizing it as “targeted” and “discriminatory.”

Concerns have also emerged regarding the safety of the company’s products. In November 2025, hazardous material, asbestos, was found in lift brake pads used across Goldwind’s wind farms in Australia. Following this discovery, access to Goldwind’s wind turbines was restricted.

Taken together, Goldwind Science & Technology’s close ties to the Chinese Communist Party and its questionable connections with sanctioned Chinese entities highlight Georgian Dream’s permissive approach toward cooperation with Chinese companies that carry controversial international reputations. Civic IDEA has repeatedly warned state institutions about the negative consequences of inadequate due-diligence practices when engaging with PRC-linked companies. The case of the Gori Wind Electropower project thus illustrates a new dimension of infrastructure development in Georgia that may be increasingly vulnerable to expanding Chinese strategic interests.

Chinese Company Enters Georgia’s Renewable Energy Sector Read More »

Washington and Beijing: Stability Without Trust

Newswire, ერთი ახალი ამბავი / /

Attempts to preserve dialogue and deep strategic distrust are appearing at the same time in U.S.-China relations: Washington says it wants stable ties with Beijing, while Beijing says communication is continuing over a possible visit by the U.S. president.

At a February 24 hearing of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, U.S. Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg said the administration wants a stable relationship with China but does not trust Beijing. He said there was ’’not enough basis’’ for that trust.

Helberg’s remarks came as Washington and Beijing prepare for a high-level meeting.

On the Chinese side, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a February 24 briefing that ’’head-of-state diplomacy’’ plays an irreplaceable strategic role in China-U.S. relations, and that the two sides are continuing communication regarding a possible visit.

The White House has confirmed that Trump’s visit to China is scheduled for March 31 to April 2. It would be his first trip to China since returning to office.

Author: Mariam Simsive

Washington and Beijing: Stability Without Trust Read More »

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