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

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

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

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

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

📺 Watch the full webinar here:

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Tinatin Khidasheli Participates in the Unlock Civic Summit 2025 in Prague

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We’re pleased to share that Tinatin Khidasheli, Chairperson of Civic IDEA, joined this year’s Unlock Civic Summit in Prague. 

As global democratic backsliding accelerates, and civil society in Georgia faces increasing pressure—from restrictions on independent media to the criminalization of international partnerships—Tinatin speaks on Georgia’s legacy of civic resistance and the ongoing fight for democratic values. 

“Don’t take anything for granted. Don’t think that we’ve already won our fight for freedom. Once you stop fighting, once you start taking democracy for granted, that’s when authoritarians hit,” heard the Unlock audience from Tinatin Khidasheli, the former Minister of Defence of Georgia and the head of the Civic IDEA think tank.

Over 200 activists and independent journalists are meeting at the Prague Centre’s flagship event in challenging times. The post-Cold War order can no longer be taken for granted. We have come together to respond to a world where Russia is forging authoritarian alliances and openly rejecting established international norms.

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Tinatin Khidasheli was recently featured in an Italian Magazine Le Monde and Il Foglio

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🚨 Tinatin Khidasheli, Chair of Civic IDEA, was recently featured in an Italian Magazine Le Monde and Il Foglio, offering her analysis on Russian influence in Europe and Georgia’s strategic challenges.🚨 

In Le Monde she warned:

“Georgia once represented the greatest hope for a truly Euro-Atlantic Caucasus. Yet despite countless warning signals, the EU still struggles to respond decisively. Without a united stance, Tbilisi risks trading its European path for cozy ties with authoritarian regimes like Russia, China and Iran.”

She went on to urge Italy and other EU members to seize the initiative:

“The Georgian government is trading away the country’s Euro-Atlantic future for political survival—and handing strategic assets to authoritarian regimes. This isn’t just Georgia’s problem; it’s Europe’s problem.”

“It’s essential that member states step up—more national sanctions, more diplomatic pressure, and undivided solidarity with the Georgian people. Europe’s credibility is at stake.”
 — Tinatin Khidasheli, ilfoglio.it , April 2025

🔍 Here are the key highlights from the articles below:

In her recent article featuring in Le Monde and Il Foglio, Tinatin Khidasheli distilled two intertwined challenges facing Europe and Georgia today:

  1. France’s “Consular Vigilance” Against Moscow

     

    • Counter-Infiltration Measures: Paris has rejected 1,200 visa and accreditation requests at its Russian consulates since April 2022—350 of them specifically for France—to choke off networks of Russian intelligence operatives. Domestic and foreign services (DGSI and Quai d’Orsay) now scrutinize everyone from academic speakers and festival-goers to phony journalists and diplomatic spouses.

       

    • AI-Driven Propaganda: Operation Storm-1516, uncovered by NewsGuard, used AI-generated fake-news narratives in nearly 39,000 posts between December 2024 and March 2025 (55.8 million views), accusing figures like Brigitte Macron and Zelensky of corruption or worse.

       

    • Khidasheli’s Take:

       “These aren’t Old-World spies slipping coded messages across borders—now the battlefield is online. Democracies must treat consular controls and digital vigilance as two sides of the same shield.”

  2. Georgia’s Geopolitical Drift

     

    • Surging Authoritarian Ties: Despite once being Europe’s beacon in the South Caucasus, Georgia’s exports to Russia and imports from China have spiked by 1,700 % and 350 % respectively. Visits to Tehran and Belt-and-Road disengagement signal a strategic pivot away from the EU.
    • Domestic Erosion: Under the ruling Georgian Dream party, democratic institutions have been weakened—rigged elections, media intimidation, and judicial control—while strategic ports and energy assets edge toward foreign hands.

Khidasheli’s Call:

 “Georgia’s European journey is at risk of being sold off, one strategic asset at a time. It’s not just Tbilisi’s problem—it’s Europe’s. Member states must coordinate sanctions, ramp up diplomatic pressure, and stand unequivocally with the Georgian people.”

Tinatin Khidasheli was recently featured in an Italian Magazine Le Monde and Il Foglio Read More »

How Does the Georgian Dream Respond to Messages from the US Regarding Anaklia?

Anaklia, New, Newswire / /

Contrary to the expectations of representatives of the Georgian Dream, recent statements by American politicians confirm that the Trump administration is not indifferent to the decision to transfer the Anaklia Port project to a Chinese company. Furthermore, both Republican and Democratic party representatives view the potential involvement of a Chinese firm in the Anaklia project as an attempt by China—a strategic rival of the United States—to expand its influence in the Black Sea region.

Representatives of the Georgian Dream party have offered differing narratives in response to Washington’s recent statements concerning the Anaklia port project. The illegitimate Prime Minister, Irakli Kobakhidze, attributed the remarks by American officials to the influence of the so-called “Deep State.” Meanwhile, the Vice Prime Minister, Levan Davitashvili, cast doubt on the potential transfer of the port to a Chinese company.

For a comprehensive overview of the Georgian Dream’s latest statements and positions regarding the Anaklia port, please refer to the full report.

Full report

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Tinatin Khidasheli Featured in Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty Article

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The Chairwoman of Civic IDEA, Tinatin Khidasheli, is featured in a recent article by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, which examines China’s growing presence in the Black Sea region and its strategic interests in Georgia.

In the article, Ms. Khidasheli comments on the implications of Chinese involvement in infrastructure projects like the Anaklia deep-water port and highlights the potential risks to regional security and Georgia’s international partnerships.

Read the Full Article

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Russia’s Naval Expansion in the Black Sea

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The recent announcement of a Russian naval base in Ochamchire, Abkhazia has intensified concerns about regional security, economic stability, and Georgia’s sovereignty. While Russia claims this expansion is a strategic necessity following Ukrainian attacks on its Black Sea fleet, Georgia and its Western allies see it as a direct violation of international law and a further entrenchment of Russian influence in the South Caucasus and the Black Sea.

Tap to see the full article:

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South Caucasus at a Crossroads – Tinatin Khidasheli’s Address in The Hague

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On 3 April, the international conference “The South Caucasus Again in Transition” was held in The Hague, Netherlands. Tinatin Khidasheli, Chairperson of the organization Civic IDEA, participated as a speaker on the panel titled “The South Caucasus: A Region in Transition.”

In her remarks, Ms. Khidasheli addressed the key challenges facing Georgia and the wider South Caucasus region, as well as the opportunities presented during this critical period of transition. She underscored the importance of preserving peace, advancing democratic reforms, and strengthening international cooperation as essential elements for ensuring regional stability and development.

The conference was organized by LINKS Europe Foundation, a Hague-based organization committed to promoting peace and security in Europe and its neighboring regions to the East and South, and to enhancing the European Union’s engagement with these regions.

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Helsinki Commission responds to Anaklia port case

Anaklia, New, Newswire / /

The members of the American Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, also known as the Helsinki Commission, expressed concern over the fact that the Georgian Dream party has surrendered control of the Anaklia deep-sea port to a Chinese conglomerate, which is sanctioned by the U.S. and backed by the Chinese government.

According to the seven representatives of the commission, one of the parts of the conglomerate, China Communications Construction Company often uses infrastructure development projects to exploit and destabilise the countries and increase their dependence on China. Apart from this, the commission underlines the dangers of the growing Chinese presence in the Black Sea, which, according to them, jeopardizes the region’s safety and free trade. The statement also highlights that China grows its presence in the region by its collaboration with Russia.

According to the conclusion reached by the commission, the Georgian Dream party will further endanger the democratic trajectory of the country and the ability to determine its own economic future. The Congressmen call on the party to reconsider its decision and evaluate bids based on how fairly and transparently they develop the critical infrastructure.

It is noteworthy, that the statement is signed by Republican, as well as Democrat Senators and Congressmen.

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Moscow’s Ties to Georgia: The Hidden Financial Web

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A major investigation by independent British journalist has exposed a vast financial web linking Russian oligarchs, the Georgian ruling elite, and British financial institutions. At the center of this operation is Bidzina Ivanishvili—Georgia’s richest man and de facto ruler—whose network has systematically funneled Kremlin-linked money into Georgia using Western platforms to secure his political and financial control.

The investigation was supported by Civic IDEA. Original material was prepared by British journalist Neil Will for Byline Times.”

The British Shell Game: How Russian Money Moves Through Georgia

A key player in this scheme is Hunnawell Business Ltd, a UK-based firm that has quietly facilitated the transfer of Russian capital into Georgia. The company was founded by Ivanishvili’s financial advisor, Irakli Rukhadze, who for years managed assets linked to both Russian oligarchs and the Georgian ruling elite.

Leaked documents reveal that after the mysterious 2008 death of oligarch Badri Patarkatsishvili in London, a hidden financial network, including Rukhadze, took control of his assets. These funds were later redirected into Ivanishvili’s circles, reinforcing his grip on Georgia’s economy and political system while deepening Moscow’s influence.

Bidzina Ivanishvili has long concealed his Kremlin ties while leveraging Western financial networks to expand his wealth. Leaked documents expose how Georgian oligarchs used British shell companies, like Hunnawell Business Ltd, to funnel Russian money into Georgia unnoticed. Hunnawell played a role in a $1.5 billion scandal involving Gulnara Karimova, the daughter of Uzbekistan’s former president, who took bribes in exchange for market access. The firm’s ties to Roman Abramovich and the misuse of British financial systems highlight the laundering of illicit wealth and the strengthening of Russian influence.

Irakli Rukhadze, a key figure in this network, was defeated in the UK Supreme Court in March 2025 for orchestrating a fraudulent scheme to divert over $170 million. This ruling exposed how figures linked to Ivanishvili exploited Western financial systems to protect Russian-linked wealth. The operation further emphasizes Ivanishvili’s financial empire, built on fraud and manipulation.

Global Money Laundering Playground?

These revelations confirm what many have long suspected: Ivanishvili has turned Georgia—and now even Western financial hubs—into a vast stadium for laundering Russian money and conducting Kremlin-backed business operations. While his government claims to pursue European integration, its financial foundation remains rooted in Moscow’s economic agenda.

British MP James McCleary has warned that “London remains, clearly, too attractive an option to pass up for the individuals behind these types of ventures,” calling for stricter controls on UK-based companies aiding authoritarian regimes.

Financial authorities estimate that more than £100 billion—40% of the world’s dirty cash—is laundered through British-registered companies annually, with law firms, private banks, and wealth management firms enabling these illicit flows. McCleary insists that the UK must implement stronger transparency measures to ensure that its financial institutions are not unwittingly propping up authoritarian regimes like Ivanishvili’s. Without decisive action, Western financial hubs risk becoming safe havens for Kremlin-linked operatives seeking to extend their influence under the cover of regulatory blind spots.

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China’s Central Bank in Georgia: A Path Toward Debt-Trap Diplomacy?

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On March 26, 2025, the National Bank of Georgia (NBG) and the People’s Bank of China (PBOC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), outlining collaboration in the following areas:

  • Monetary policy;
  • Exchange of information and expertise in financial technology, payment systems, and securities market development.

During an official visit to Beijing, the Governor of the NBG, Natia Turnava, met with representatives of key Chinese state-controlled financial institutions, including the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, the Bank of China, and the China Construction Bank.

As previously reported by Civic IDEA, periodic meetings between the NBG and the PBOC have taken place since March 2024, exploring avenues for cooperation. Consequently, the signing of the March 26, 2025, MOU was anticipated.

This engagement with the Chinese banking sector aligns with the increasingly anti-Western foreign policy direction pursued by the ruling Georgian Dream party. Notably, on August 30, 2021, then-chairman of the party, Irakli Kobakhidze, announced the rejection of a €75 million EU microfinance assistance package.

The pro-China orientation of the Georgian Dream has been reflected in Georgia’s evolving debt structure. As of 2025, Georgia’s external credit obligations to international financial institutions where China plays a dominant role have risen significantly:

  • Asian Development Bank (ADB): $2.26 billion
  • Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB): $211 million

While both ADB and AIIB are international financial institutions, and their cooperation does not inherently expose Georgia to “debt-trap diplomacy,” direct collaboration between the NBG and Chinese state institutions marks a significant shift. The March 26 MOU suggests that following the Anaklia port project, Georgia’s financial sector may now also fall under Chinese influence.

Risks Associated with Cooperation with China’s Banking Sector

Closer cooperation with China’s banking institutions presents economic and political challenges for Georgia, primarily due to the structural characteristics of China’s financial system:

  • Communist Party Influence: Chinese banks, akin to other state-owned enterprises, operate under Communist Party control. While the PBOC previously functioned with a degree of institutional independence, in 2024, President Xi Jinping introduced reforms tightening party oversight. As a result, analysts believe that China’s financial system has become an even more direct instrument of party policy.
  • Opacity: Unlike Western central banks, the PBOC lacks transparency. It does not adhere to a consistent communication strategy, often making abrupt monetary policy decisions without prior notification or clear justification, thereby generating uncertainty both domestically and internationally.
  • Corruption: Corruption remains a persistent issue within China’s banking sector. In 2024, former PBOC Vice Governor Fan Yifei was sentenced to life in prison for corruption, underscoring governance weaknesses.
  • Financial Instability: China’s economy continues to face significant challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted financial institutions, with Bloomberg reporting that 13% of Chinese financial entities were classified as “high-risk.” As of March 2025, China’s total debt exceeded 300% of GDP. Additionally, the ongoing US-China trade war has further exacerbated economic volatility.

Given these factors, China’s banking system functions as a tool for advancing the political ambitions of the Communist Party. China and its affiliated institutions have been actively striving to expand their global economic influence. In recent years, the People’s Republic and its close authoritarian allies, including BRICS member states, have promoted de-dollarization in international trade. In response to these efforts, U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to impose a 100% tariff on BRICS nations.

A key player in advancing de-dollarization is the People’s Bank of China. In 2024, the PBC signed currency swap agreements with more than 40 foreign financial institutions. If cooperation between the National Bank of Georgia and the PBC intensifies, Georgia may gradually shift away from the Western monetary system, increasing its financial reliance on China.

Due to the nature of China’s financial system, several emerging economies have defaulted under the weight of its lending practices, which are characterized by:

  • Confidentiality: Former U.S. National Security Council official Grant T. Harris has highlighted that one of the defining features of Chinese loans is their secrecy. Key terms, and in some cases even the existence of the agreements, are often undisclosed.
  • Challenging Debt Restructuring: China is not a member of the Paris Club, ( an informal group of creditor nations that negotiates with debtor countries to restructure or provide relief on sovereign debt ) an international forum for coordinating debt relief. Consequently, debtor nations must engage in direct negotiations with Beijing, often resulting in outcomes that undermine their sovereignty. A notable example is Sri Lanka, which, in 2017, was compelled to transfer 70% of its strategic Hambantota Port to a Chinese state-owned entity due to its inability to service its debts.
  • Cross-Default Clauses: Many Chinese loan agreements include cross-default provisions, whereby a borrowing nation is considered in default if it fails to meet unrelated obligations. These obligations can include shifts in diplomatic policy or regime change, granting Beijing significant leverage over debtor states.
  • Collateral-Based Lending: Chinese loans frequently require collateral arrangements, sometimes involving strategic assets. In 2011, Tajikistan ceded 1,000 square kilometers of land to China as part of a debt settlement arrangement.

Considering Georgia’s past experiences in Sino-Georgian relations, the growing presence of Chinese financial institutions in the country raises credible concerns regarding potential debt-trap diplomacy. Previous agreements signed between Georgian Dream and Chinese banks have often been marked by a lack of transparency. Despite multiple reports of irregularities in Chinese banking operations, the Georgian government has consistently refrained from addressing these concerns.

In light of these trends, it remains plausible that the Georgian Dream will continue to facilitate Chinese financial expansion in Georgia, potentially exposing the country to unsustainable debt and economic dependency on Beijing.

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