China in the South Caucasus and Uzbekistan (December 15-21)
Georgia
Georgian Ambassador Met the Phoenix New Media Finance TV host
December 17
On December 16, 2024, the Ambassador of Georgia to the People’s Republic of China, Paata Kalandadze, held a meeting with Liu Meisi, a TV host from “Phoenix New Media Finance.” The meeting focused on strengthening tourism and cultural relations between Georgia and China.
“Phoenix New Media” is one of the most influential digital media platforms of the Phoenix Media Group and is part of “Phoenix TV,” one of China’s leading broadcasters. These news sources are very popular in China, reaching hundreds of millions of viewers every month. Therefore, this information exchange between Georgia and China is attracting a lot of attention from the Chinese public.
It is important to note that Georgia is being promoted as a desirable destination for tourists within the Chinese market. The meeting also involves significant economic interests. Georgia serves as a market for Chinese products, especially in 2024–2025, when Georgia’s cargo shipments grew by 49%, with a major portion coming from China. This growth was also influenced by commercial platforms like Temu.
Alongside this cooperation in logistics, Georgia wants to expand its tourism sector through a partnership with China. Currently, the Georgian aviation market depends mainly on European and Turkish airlines. Simplifying direct flights with China aims to attract a steady flow of tourists from the East. Therefore, the Ambassador’s meeting focused specifically on promoting this idea.
Azerbaijan
Dual Degree Program Agreement Between BSU and Anhui University
December 16
Baku State University (BSU) and Anhui University of China have signed an agreement on the implementation of double master’s degree programs in technologies, including micro- and nanoelectronics. The declared goal is to strengthen academic cooperation between the two universities and expand international educational opportunities for students.
Within the framework of the double degree program, master’s students of the relevant specialties will have the opportunity to study at both Baku State University and Anhui University. Baku State University’s rector, Elchin Babaev, noted that this initiative will broaden BSU students’ international experience and enhance their scientific achievements, while the cooperation aims to bring the educational and research sectors of the two countries closer together.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Anhui University’s Council, Yu Baotao, emphasized that this program will promote deeper collaboration between Chinese and Azerbaijani universities across various fields.
National Academy of Chinese Modernization Delegation Visits Baku State University
December 17
A delegation from the National Academy of China for Modernization, under the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), visited Baku State University (BSU). During the visit, the guests learned about the university’s history, scientific research, educational activities, and international relations. It was noted that Baku State University currently offers 78 undergraduate programs, 243 master’s programs, and 131 doctoral programs. The university, which has over 25,000 students, includes 120 departments, 2 research institutes, 22 research laboratories, and 5 research centers.
The meeting highlighted that the university closely cooperates with leading Chinese higher education institutions and implements double-degree programs. Baku State University also expressed interest in establishing partnerships with Chinese research institutes across various fields.
Meanwhile, the Chinese delegation provided information about the activities of the National Academy of China for Modernization. It was noted that the academy conducts research in social and economic fields, focuses on the Chinese model of modernization, and carries out comparative analyses with other countries.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties discussed prospective areas of future cooperation between the two institutions.
Baku State University and Anhui Agricultural University Sign Cooperation Agreement
December 17
A memorandum of cooperation was signed between Baku State University (BSU) and Anhui Agricultural University (AAU) of China.
The document was signed by Elchin Babaev, Rector of Baku State University, and Cao Haijun, President of Anhui Agricultural University. During the meeting, the parties focused on establishing strategic cooperation in the fields of education and scientific research. They also discussed academic collaboration at the undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels. The conversation further covered joint research projects, exchange programs for lecturers and students, with particular emphasis on organizing seminars and conferences between the two partner countries.
Azerbaijani Culture Day Held at Anhui Agricultural University in China
December 17
In Hefei, China, at Anhui Agricultural University, an event dedicated to Azerbaijani culture was organized by Baku State University (BSU). In his speech, Elchin Babaev, Rector of Baku State University, highlighted the importance of the multifaceted relations between Azerbaijan and China. He noted that the high level of trust and close cooperation between the two countries creates broad opportunities for the development of culture, education, and science.
The event, aimed at promoting Azerbaijani culture and strengthening Azerbaijan-China ties across various fields, was attended by academic staff from Baku and Anhui universities, as well as Azerbaijani, Chinese, and international students.
Azerbaijan National Drama Theater Expands Cooperation with the National Theater of China
December 18
During a visit to China, Ilham Askerov, Director of the Azerbaijan State Academic National Dramaturgical Theater, met with Tian Qinxin, President of the National Theater of China, who positively evaluated the initiative of the Azerbaijan National Dramaturgical Theater to cooperate with theaters in China’s Shandong and Gansu provinces. To promote future collaboration, plans were made to organize exhibitions in Beijing dedicated to the history of Azerbaijani theater, and in Azerbaijan dedicated to the history of Chinese theater.
The discussion also emphasized technological support, including the exchange of professional directors. Ilham Askerov noted that the theater has already signed cooperation memoranda with leading institutions such as the Alexandrinsky Theater (Russia), the Yanka Kupala National Academic Theater (Belarus), the Shota Rustaveli National Theater (Georgia), as well as the national theaters of Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. He emphasized that such partnerships contribute to strengthening cultural ties between countries, which is one way to preserve tradition in the context of globalization.
Regarding future plans, the staging of one of Tian Qinxin’s plays at the Azerbaijan National Theater was discussed. In addition, the play “The Dead Visit the Living” by the well-known Chinese playwright Shu Gang Liu has already been translated at the theater’s request and is included in the 2026 repertoire.
The meeting concluded with the decision that a memorandum of cooperation between the two theaters will be signed in June 2026 in Baku.
Chinese Experts Lead Master Classes for Baku Engineering University Students
December 21
A delegation from Fudan University of the People’s Republic of China visited Baku Engineering University (BEU). During the visit, AI expert Ye Suli and biomedical specialist He Nan conducted masterclasses for students.
At a session organized for students of the “SABAH” program of BEU’s Faculty of Information and Computer Technologies, Ye Suli discussed the latest developments in the field of artificial intelligence. The training highlighted that artificial intelligence is currently one of the fastest-growing technological fields in the world, shaping the future labor market. Meanwhile, He Nan spoke to students specializing in chemistry and biotechnology about innovative approaches to early cancer diagnostics.
Baku Engineering University and Fudan University of China (including the research institutes of the same university) have signed a memorandum of cooperation. The document provides for the expansion of joint activities in science, education, research, and personnel training.
Armenia
Classical literature is being translated from Armenian into Chinese and from Chinese into Armenian
December 15
The Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Culture, and Sport of Armenia, Daniel Danielyan, presented a new series of Armenian translations of Chinese literature at the “Arevik” bookstore.
The initiative to translate books into Armenian and Chinese stems from a memorandum of understanding signed between the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, and Sport of Armenia and the National Administration of Press and Publication of China. The agreement envisages the mutual translation and dissemination of classical literature. The program aims to deepen mutual understanding between the Armenian and Chinese peoples and to promote intercultural research.
The National Academy of Sciences of Armenia, the Confucius Institute, and the Armenian–Chinese Friendship School will cooperate
December 17
The Institute of Oriental Studies of the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia, the Confucius Institute, and the Armenian–Chinese Friendship School will sign a trilateral cooperation agreement. The Director of the Institute of Oriental Studies, Gohar Iskandaryan, stated that the partnership between the institutions aims to create an integrated “educational chain” by linking primary education, university education, and research systems.
The expansion of academic ties between China and Armenia reflects a broader shift in bilateral relations, characterized by strengthened political dialogue and pragmatic cooperation. Iskandaryan emphasized the Institute’s deepened partnership with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.
International Conference on the Armenia–China Strategic Partnership Held in Yerevan
December 17
Last week, a high-level international conference titled “Strengthening the Strategic Partnership between China and Armenia: Dialogue on the Exchange of Governance Experience” was held in Yerevan. Diplomats, academics, and policy experts took part in the conference.
As a speaker at the conference, the Rector of Brusov State University, Davit Gyurjinyan, emphasized the growing momentum of cooperation in bilateral relations in 2025 and noted that the exchange of governance experience is essential for accelerating the sustainable development of both countries. He stressed that academic cooperation—such as student exchange programs with universities in Shanghai—plays an important role in the localization of China’s global initiatives.
The Rector of the Academy of Public Administration of Armenia, Khachatur Ghazeyan, also addressed the conference. He noted that China’s leadership in global politics and economics offers rich experience that can significantly strengthen Armenia’s institutional capacities. He stated that studying and implementing China’s administrative successes is vital for the modernization of governance culture in Armenia.
In turn, Armenia’s Ambassador to China, Vahe Gevorgyan, emphasized that the new framework of relations between the two countries includes mutual support for China’s Belt and Road Initiative and Armenia’s Crossroads of Peace project. Gevorgyan noted that strategic partnership status is not merely a label, but represents a consensus on shared principles and a unified vision for future cooperation. Accordingly, he stated that the newly established strategic partnership agreement is a comprehensive document unprecedented in the history of Armenia–China relations.
The Ambassador underlined that the joint statement defines three levels of interstate cooperation: bilateral, regional, and international. According to him, the document also places strong emphasis on regional organizations, particularly the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). It is noteworthy that Armenia maintains close relations with the SCO and has officially applied for membership in the organization.
Gevorgyan explained the deepening of cooperation between the two countries by two factors: the diversification of Armenia’s foreign policy and China’s growing role in global politics. He stated that the current geopolitical environment is favorable for deepening cooperation in infrastructure development, academic research, and collaboration at the level of analytical and policy think tanks.
At the International Forum on Armenia–China Strategic Cooperation, the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Armenia, Li Xinwei, also delivered remarks, noting that relations between the two countries have reached a “new starting point.”
In his speech, the Ambassador focused on the model of “Chinese-style modernization,” which, according to him, has successfully lifted 800 million people out of poverty and achieved the United Nations development goals ten years ahead of schedule. He presented China as an open global partner and emphasized the transformation of the Belt and Road Initiative into the world’s largest platform for economic cooperation.
Importantly, the Ambassador highlighted the convergence of positions between the two countries on issues of global governance. He noted that China welcomes Armenia’s participation in the newly established Group of Friends of Global Governance at the United Nations. Li Xinwei stated that Armenia and China are natural partners in achieving global peace and prosperity. He once again reaffirmed China’s readiness to share its governance experience with Armenia and expressed firm confidence in the “bright future” of the Armenia–China partnership.
Award Ceremony Held at the Chinese Embassy in Armenia
December 19
The Chinese Embassy in Armenia recently hosted the eighth annual award ceremony for grants supporting the teaching and study of the Chinese language. Organized by the Embassy, the program honored around 50 teachers and students from various Armenian universities and schools for their dedication to learning and teaching Chinese.
Chinese Ambassador Li Xinwei described the event as evidence of the strengthening friendship between the two nations, pointing to the impressive growth of interest in the Chinese language among Armenian youth. He linked these educational ties to the “strategic partnership” agreement established during Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s visit to China. The Ambassador emphasized that recent high-level meetings with President Xi Jinping and the memoranda signed have elevated bilateral relations to a new level.
Arkadi Papoyan, a representative of Armenia’s Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport, expressed gratitude for China’s continued efforts to strengthen educational and cultural ties. He noted that education plays a vital role in promoting mutual understanding and building sustainable connections between the two peoples. Papoyan particularly highlighted the “tangible progress” achieved in recent years in the field of Chinese language instruction in Armenia, describing linguistic cooperation as a fundamental bridge grounded in shared values and history.
Uzbekistan
Loan Agreement Signed for the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan Railway Project
December 17
A signing ceremony was held for a loan agreement to finance the construction of the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway project.
The loan agreement was concluded between the joint venture established by the three countries, China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan Railway Company LLC, and a consortium of banks of the People’s Republic of China, including the China Development Bank (CDB) and the Export–Import Bank of China (China Eximbank). The project is of fundamental importance for China, as a large share of freight transported from China to Europe currently passes through the “Northern Corridor” (via Russia). Against the backdrop of the ongoing war in Ukraine and the sanctions regime, China requires a secure and stable alternative. This railway represents the southern branch of the “Middle Corridor,” connecting China with Europe and the Middle East without passing through Russia. The route shortens the distance from China to Europe by approximately 900 kilometers and reduces transit time by 7–8 days.
The total cost of the project is estimated at USD 4.7 billion. Approximately USD 2.3 billion will be provided by the Chinese side to the joint venture in the form of a 35-year loan. Loan repayment will be ensured directly by the company. Over several decades, Chinese banks will earn interest income, making the project a priority for China and its market. Such loans are often conditioned on the use of Chinese companies and materials in construction, thereby returning funds to the Chinese economy.
The construction of the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway is one of the most complex engineering projects in the region, as it envisages the construction of 50 bridges and 29 tunnels with a total length of 120 km. Approximately 40% of the route will consist of bridges and tunnels, and the total length of the railway within Kyrgyzstan will be 304 kilometers.
The decision to build the railway with the support of all three countries was made on December 27, 2024. At that time, Sadyr Japarov, Xi Jinping, and Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized the project’s strategic importance for the development of regional connectivity and economic cooperation.
China in the South Caucasus and Uzbekistan (December 15-21) Read More »
