New

Georgian Dream Ministers Met China’s “Internet Censor”

New / /

On April 21, high-level meetings were held with Zhuang Rongwen, director of China’s Cyberspace Administration. The Minister of Justice and the Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development met Rongwen.

According to information published by the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, the meeting with Rongwen focused on the strategic partnership between the two countries and the development of economic ties. According to the Ministry’s press release, the Georgian side highlighted its goal of strengthening Georgia’s role as a digital transit hub, connecting Asia and Europe as much as possible.

According to the published information, during the meeting, the Georgian side emphasized the “development of large-scale data centers,” and the sides “discussed cooperation opportunities in this direction.” Notably, the discussion also covered cooperation in Artificial Intelligence. Recently, cooperation in artificial intelligence has been one of the key topics of discussion between Chinese and Georgian authorities. In November 2025, within the framework of an official visit to China, Georgia’s Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Development and Reform Commission of China on cooperation in the field of Artificial Intelligence.

On April 21, the director of China’s Cyberspace Administration also met the Minister of Justice of Georgia, Paata Salia. It was noted that strengthening relations with the Cyberspace Administration of China will “deepen the two countries’ potential in the fields of cybersecurity and innovation.” According to the Ministry’s press release, the sides discussed the use of artificial intelligence, the implementation of mobile applications, and digital identity projects.

The visit of Zhuang Rongwen demonstrates that official Tbilisi seeks to develop cooperation with Beijing in the field of digital policy. However, the institution with which representatives of Georgian ministries met is an instrument of the Chinese Communist Party’s system of state control and censorship.

 

The Cyberspace Administration of China – “Internet Censor”

The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) was established in 2011 as a subordinate office of the State Council Information Office. The CAC is responsible for cybersecurity and regulating internet content. Its functions include the administration, coordination, and supervision of online content. Additionally, it approves and licenses online news reporting, including for foreign institutions.

According to Freedom House, the Chinese government maintains one of the most sophisticated state censorship systems in the world. The CAC reports to the Central Cyberspace Affairs Commission of the Chinese Communist Party, a party body directly controlled by Xi Jinping.

Zhuang Rongwen was appointed as CAC director in 2018. He has been associated with Xi Jinping since the early years of his career. From 1995 to 2000, while Xi Jinping served as Deputy Party Chief of Fujian, Rongwen held senior posts in the provincial economic planning committee. In 2015, Rongwen joined the CAC, and later that year, he was appointed Vice Minister of the Chinese Communist Party’s Propaganda Department. Since 2018, in parallel with his role as CAC director, he has served as Deputy Director of the Central Propaganda Department.

Thus, Zhuang Rongwen, with whom ministers of Ivanishvili’s government met, is linked to China’s system of political control and party propaganda. At the same time, the Cyberspace Administration of China—an institution with which Georgia’s Ministers of Justice, Economy, and Sustainable Development have expressed willingness to cooperate—is responsible for overseeing the country’s internet and digital space. High-level meetings with Zhuang Rongwen suggest that intensified relations with China may serve the narrow political interests of the ruling party. Strengthened cooperation with the Chinese Communist Party increases the risk of introducing authoritarian-style governance practices in Georgia.

Georgian Dream Ministers Met China’s “Internet Censor” Read More »

Kvrivishvili’s Visit to China

New / /

Georgia’s Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, Mariam Kvrivishvili, paid an official visit to China on April 21-25. Meetings held in Beijing focused on expanding Georgia-China economic cooperation.

As part of the visit, Kvrivishvili met China’s Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao on April 22. The two sides signed a protocol amending the Georgia-China Free Trade Agreement, aimed at adapting the deal to the modern trade environment, clarifying existing areas of cooperation, and adding new directions.

According to China’s Ministry of Commerce, Kvrivishvili described cooperation with China as a priority for the Georgian government and expressed interest in expanding ties in agriculture, oil and gas development, automobile manufacturing, port infrastructure, and tourism.

One of the key topics of the visit was transport and logistics infrastructure. On April 23, Kvrivishvili met Zhou Haibin, deputy chairman of China’s National Development and Reform Commission. According to Georgia’s Economy Ministry, the parties agreed to establish a dialogue mechanism that would help attract Chinese investment to Georgia, particularly in the transport and logistics sectors.

During the same meeting, the sides discussed the Middle Corridor and Georgia’s role as a transit country connecting China and Europe. In this context, the Anaklia port was identified as a strategic project of importance not only for Georgia-China cooperation, but also for partner countries along the Middle Corridor.

The Anaklia port issue was also addressed by Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze ahead of the visit. Responding to a journalist’s question about amendments to the free trade agreement between Georgia and China, he said:

“All issues will be discussed, including the Anaklia issue. Naturally, this is also one of the goals of this visit. Negotiations are continuing”.

The Anaklia deep-sea port is considered one of Georgia’s most important strategic and infrastructure projects. In 2024, a Chinese-Singaporean consortium submitted the final proposal in the process of selecting a private partner for the project, although no official update on an agreement has been released so far.

A practical outcome of the visit emerged in the aviation sector. Following Kvrivishvili’s meeting with representatives of China Eastern Airlines, the airline will launch direct Shanghai-Tbilisi-Shanghai flights three times a week starting July 15.

At the same time, the Georgian delegation discussed with China Southern Airlines the possibility of launching direct flights from Beijing to Tbilisi and from other Chinese cities to Georgia. The meetings also focused on cargo transportation, including the development of a regional cargo hub within the framework of the Middle Corridor and possible access for China Southern Cargo to Georgia’s transport infrastructure.

Alongside aviation, energy issues were also discussed during the visit. In Beijing, Kvrivishvili met Wang Yutao, chairman of China ZhenHua Oil, where the parties discussed opportunities for oil and gas exploration in Georgia. The Chinese side expressed interest in investing in Georgia’s energy sector.

Kvrivishvili also met Chen Huanlong, chairman of Geo-Jade Petroleum Corporation. According to Georgia’s Economy Ministry, the Georgian side presented the country’s investment environment to the company, while the Chinese side expressed interest in the oil and gas sector.

In the technology and digital economy sectors, Kvrivishvili met a representative of Xiaomi Corporation and offered the company the opportunity to establish a CKD production facility in Georgia and use the country as a regional logistics platform.

Kvrivishvili also met Zhuang Rongwen, director of the Cyberspace Administration of China. The sides discussed Georgia’s role as a digital transit hub connecting Asia and Europe, the development of data centers, and opportunities for the use of artificial intelligence.

The planned direct flights and ongoing negotiations in the energy and technology sectors are aimed at deepening economic cooperation with China. The next stage of the process will depend on the practical implementation of the initiatives discussed by the two sides.

Kvrivishvili’s Visit to China Read More »

Dialogue: Europe in a Reconfiguring World

New / /

On March 23, 2026, a public discussion titled “Europe in a Reconfiguring World” was held at Palau Macaya, bringing together leading voices in international relations and European politics.

The event featured Tinatin Khidasheli – Chair of Civic IDEA, former Minister of Defence of Georgia, and a prominent expert on security and geopolitical dynamics – alongside Jordi Xuclà, President of the Catalan European Movement and an experienced policymaker in European affairs. 

The dialogue focused on the rapidly evolving international environment and the role of Europe within a world shaped by shifting power balances, geopolitical tensions, and growing uncertainty. Particular attention was given to the challenges facing small and medium-sized states, the transformation of global alliances, and the increasing complexity of diplomatic engagement in the 21st century.

The event also served as an opportunity to introduce and reflect on the newly published book “Geopolitics and Diplomacy on the Ground”, co-authored by Tinatin Khidasheli and Jordi Xuclà, among other prominent international figures. The book brings together the practical experiences of policymakers, diplomats, and scholars, offering insights into how geopolitical decisions unfold in real-world contexts, where political strategy meets human complexity.

Dialogue: Europe in a Reconfiguring World Read More »

“Georgia’s Iranian turn” – Tinatin Khidasheli on FRANCE 24

New / /

According to Tinatin Khidasheli, Georgia is suspended between its declared European future and an increasingly authoritarian present. While formally holding candidate status for European Union membership, the political reality has shifted toward systemic control, legal ambiguity, and the suppression of dissent. Legal instruments, particularly the foreign agents law, are designed not merely to regulate but to deter, creating an environment where ordinary professional or civic activity risks criminalisation.

See the full interview:

“Georgia’s Iranian turn” – Tinatin Khidasheli on FRANCE 24 Read More »

Tinatin Khidasheli Delivers Lecture on European Security at CEU Universitat Abat Oliba, Barcelona

New / /

On March 23, Tinatin Khidasheli delivered a lecture titled “The New Geopolitical Chessboard: Security and Alliances in Europe” at CEU Universitat Abat Oliba in Barcelona.

In her remarks, she emphasized the importance of alliances and international partnerships in today’s security environment and discussed the real impact of NATO and EU enlargement on Eastern Europe.

“You have probably heard the myths about a Russia irritated by NATO or EU enlargement, left with no choice but to defend its own security. Facts and reality, however, prove the opposite. Russia’s imperial ambitions stopped exactly where enlargement took place. We did not see Putin wage war against Poland or the Baltic states; nor did he attack Finland last year. But we did witness Russia’s aggressive actions in countries where NATO and EU policies were overly cautious and restrained.

No, friends — the expansion of alliances played a decisive role in the peaceful development of Eastern Europe, ensuring their security and, consequently, their prosperity. And only where delays occurred did we see Russian imperial aggression, war, destruction, and casualties… NATO and the European Union remain the clear and unconditional guarantors of peace in Europe, and our recent history confirms this,” – Khidasheli told the audience at the university.

The lecture was held in a roundtable format and addressed changes in Europe’s security architecture, strategic partnerships, and the importance of regional cooperation.

Tinatin Khidasheli Delivers Lecture on European Security at CEU Universitat Abat Oliba, Barcelona Read More »

A Book Co-Authored by Tinatin Khidasheli Published in Spain

New / /

The book “Geopolitics and Diplomacy on the Ground”, co-authored by the Chairperson of Civic IDEA, Tinatin Khidasheli, has been published in Spain by Editorial Dykinson.

The book presentation took place on March 24 in Barcelona, where the authors, including Tinatin Khidasheli, attended in person and shared their experiences with the audience.

The publication is an international  collaborative work bringing together reflections and experiences from diplomats, policymakers, and scholars who have shaped, negotiated, and lived the realities of international relations.

This book explores how geopolitical decisions intersect with complex human realities and how diplomacy continues to be an essential tool for peace, negotiation, and building the future — not merely an academic concept, but something lived and practiced on the ground. 

A Book Co-Authored by Tinatin Khidasheli Published in Spain Read More »

“Power and Geopolitics in the 21st Century” –  Lecture by Jill Dougherty at Civic IDEA

New / /

Bringing decades of experience in international journalism and Russian affairs, Jill Dougherty delivered a lecture titled “Power and Geopolitics in the 21st Century” on March 11 for alumni of Civic Idea projects and participants of its ongoing programs.

The lecture explored how geopolitics shapes the distribution of power in today’s international system, examining how major powers project influence and how smaller states – like Georgia – navigate external pressures and shifting global dynamics, with examples from Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

Jill Dougherty is an expert on Russia and the region. She served as CNN’s Moscow Bureau Chief for nearly a decade and has held key roles including White House Correspondent and Foreign Affairs Correspondent. She is currently a CNN on-air contributor, an Adjunct Professor at Georgetown University, and affiliated with research institutions such as the Woodrow Wilson Center and the Kennan Institute. She is also the author of My Russia: What I Saw from the Kremlin, reflecting her decades-long experience covering the region.

The Lecture was held in an interactive format, allowing participants to engage in discussion and exchange perspectives on the topics covered.

“Power and Geopolitics in the 21st Century” –  Lecture by Jill Dougherty at Civic IDEA Read More »

Another attack on Tinatin Khidasheli and Civic IDEA

New / /

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 »

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?

New / /

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 »

Scroll to Top