China–Georgia Strategic Partnership

From Strategic Partnership to the Present: China’s Expansion in Georgia’s Educational Space 

China–Georgia Strategic Partnership, Education & Academia, Research / /

“The study of the Chinese language is becoming increasingly popular among younger generations. For this reason, we have decided to introduce Chinese as a second language in schools. … Mutual trust creates opportunities for new generations to establish connections, cooperate, and act together on the international stage, including advancing shared political interests, which is ultimately in the interest of both countries.” 

Statement by Georgia’s Minister of Education, Science, and Youth, Givi Mikhanadze, given to the Chinese media outlet China Daily on November 15, 2025. 

In contemporary international politics, one of the most effective strategies used by major powers to influence the foreign policy orientation of smaller states is soft power. In this regard, the People’s Republic of China has emerged as a rapidly growing actor. 

Civic IDEA is pleased to share a new report “From Strategic Partnership to the Present: China’s Expansion in Georgia’s Educational Space“ examining China’s growing influence in Georgia’s education sector.

The report explores how China uses education as a key soft power tool, including the promotion of the Chinese language, partnerships between universities, scholarship and exchange programs, and the involvement of technology companies such as Huawei.

 

Key Findings of the Research

The study  conducted by Civic IDEA found that in 2024–2025:

  • Nine memoranda and cooperation agreements were signed between Georgian and ChineseUniversities.
  • Representatives of 12 Chinese educational institutions visited Georgian universities to establish partnerships and initiate cooperation.
  • Georgian universities signed agreements with the following Chinese companies and organizations: Huawei, Zhogge Cultural Development, Belt and Road Georgia Business House, and Guangzhou Dajiang E-Commerce Co. Ltd.
  • Under an agreement with Huawei, the company will establish Georgia’s first Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Academy and introduce “smart classrooms” in Georgian schools.
  • Georgian students participated for the first time in Huawei’s educational initiative “Seeds for the Future.”
  • The Chinese Embassy in Georgia actively promoted educational cooperation and the Chinese language. Within the framework of cooperation between Georgian universities and the embassy, joint academic events were organized.
  • In 2024 and 2025, Georgian students and school pupils took part in the Chinese language competition “Chinese Bridge.” 
  • Georgian students participated in summer schools and youth camps in China.
  • Chinese language instruction was offered in 15 schools in Tbilisi.
  • A Confucius Institute will be established at the Georgian Technical University in cooperation with a Chinese university.

 

Tap to see the full Research

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From Promise to Disparity: Two Years of Georgia-China Strategic Relations

China–Georgia Strategic Partnership, Research / /

Civic IDEA is pleased to share its latest policy paper:

“From Promise to Disparity: Two Years of Georgia–China Strategic Relations”

The paper assesses the development of Georgia–China relations since the signing of the Strategic Partnership in July 2023 and evaluates whether the promised benefits have materialized in practice.

Our findings show that despite growing political engagement and pro-Chinese rhetoric from the Georgian Dream government, the partnership has produced limited tangible benefits for Georgia. Instead, bilateral relations increasingly reflect structural asymmetry across political, economic, and educational domains.

The paper examines:

  • Political relations and growing party-to-party ties with the CCP
  • China’s lack of diplomatic support for Georgia internationally
  • Trade imbalances and declining Georgian exports to China
  • Limited Chinese investment despite strategic partnership rhetoric
  • Expansion of Chinese companies in Georgian infrastructure and energy sectors
  • Chinese soft power and educational influence in Georgia
Read the full paper

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From Schools to State: China’s Quiet Takeover. Illusions of Partnership, Risks of Dependence

China–Georgia Strategic Partnership, Research / /

Civic IDEA is pleased to announce the release of our new publication, “From Schools to State: China’s Quiet Takeover – Illusions of Partnership, Risks of Dependence.”

This report provides a concise overview of the key trends shaping Sino–Georgian relations, with particular attention to the implications of the Georgia–China Strategic Partnership Agreement signed in 2023.

Drawing on Civic IDEA’s extensive research, the publication explores the complex dimensions of Chinese engagement in Georgia — including opaque business dealings between Georgian Dream–affiliated businessmen and Chinese companies, the growing risks associated with Chinese-made technologies, and the expanding influence of China in Georgia’s educational and cultural spheres.

We invite you to read and share this important study, which sheds light on the increasingly precarious nature of Georgia’s engagement with China and the potential risks it poses to national sovereignty and democratic resilience.

Full report:

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Strategic Partnership with China: THE FACTS AGAINST THE FALSE HOPE AND MISLEADING PROPAGANDA OF THE “GEORGIAN DREAM” PARTY

China–Georgia Strategic Partnership, Research / /

One year has passed since the strategic partnership agreement signed between Georgia and the People’s Republic of China.

We present to you a short analysis of the first results, which clearly shows the propaganda based on the lies of the “Georgian Dream”, which they try to show the superiority of China compared to the USA.

For more information, please see the full report 👇 

Strategic Partnership with China: THE FACTS AGAINST THE FALSE HOPE AND MISLEADING PROPAGANDA OF THE “GEORGIAN DREAM” PARTY Read More »

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