Research
China’s expanding footprint in Eurasia; Geopolitics, Trade and Environmental Implications
Civic IDEA is pleased to share the 3rd volume of the collection of articles “China’s Expanding Footprint in Eurasia: Geopolitics, Trade and Environmental Implications”. The collection of articles features the insights of authors, incorporating perspectives and comprehensive views on China’s expanding influence in Central Asia and beyond, shedding light on the complexities and consequences of this dynamic on local and international scales. These articles delve into various aspects of China’s influence and regional dynamics:
√ Bernadett Szel – “Chinese Influence in Hungary” – This article explores how China’s economic and political presence has grown in Hungary, analyzing the strategies employed by China to establish and expand its influence within the country. Szelexamines the implications of this influence on Hungary’s domestic and foreign policies.
√ Tatyana Sedova – “China’s influence in critical minerals (CM) development in Kazakhstan and Tajikistan” – Sedova delves into China’s role in the critical minerals sector of Kazakhstan and Tajikistan. She discusses how China’s investment and involvement in the development of these minerals are reshaping the industry and affecting the economic and geopolitical landscape of the region.
√ Olzhas Zhorayev – “Perception of China in Central Asian Countries: Trends and Comparative Analysis” – Zhorayevprovides a comparative analysis of how China is perceived across various Central Asian countries. The article identifies trends in public opinion and governmental stances towards China, offering insights into the factors that shape these perceptions and their potential impact on regional cooperation and policy-making.
√ Fuad Shahbazov – “The increasing role of the Middle Corridor in East-West Trade: What Role for Azerbaijan Kazakhstan Partnership?” – Shahbazov’s article focuses on the Middle Corridor, a key trade route connecting East and West through Central Asia. He examines the strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan in enhancing the corridor’s efficiency and competitiveness and how this partnership is influenced by China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
√ Vadim Ni – “Will BRI affect public environmental rights in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan?” – The article investigates the environmental implications of China’s Belt and Road Initiative in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. The article addresses concerns about how increased infrastructure projects and economic activities under the BRI might impact public environmental rights and local ecosystems, proposing measures to mitigate potential adverse effects.
For more information, see the attachment below
Georgia’s Investment Landscape: Comparative Analysis of Chinese and Western Investments (2018-2023)
We are pleased to announce the release of our report, “Georgia’s Investment Landscape: Comparative Analysis of Chinese and Western Investments (2018-2023)”.
This report uncovers the actual extent of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) investments in Georgia from 2018 to early 2024, demonstrating that Beijing’s economic engagement is significantly less than officially claimed, with investments not exceeding 700 million USD since 2010. The comparative analysis reveals that countries such as the USA, UK, and Netherlands have exhibited substantial and increasing investments in Georgia, particularly in the post-pandemic period. Notably, even EU member countries with smaller economies, such as Malta, have shown a more pronounced increase in their foreign direct investments in Georgia compared to the PRC’s FDI rate.
Read the full report for a clear picture of foreign investment dynamics in Georgia. 👇

In The Wake of NUCTECH Raids: Evaluating International Fallout and Its Ties with Georgia
Civic IDEA is pleased to share a two-page report, ‘In the Wake of NUCTECH Raids: Evaluating International Fallout and Its Ties with Georgia,’ which overviews the recent scandals involving the Chinese company NUCTECH, emphasizing its notorious reputation and cooperation with Georgian state institutions.
In-The-Wake-of-NUCTECH-Raids-Evaluating-International-Fallout-and-Its-Ties-with-GeorgiaIn The Wake of NUCTECH Raids: Evaluating International Fallout and Its Ties with Georgia Read More »
China’s Secret Cyberattacks
Civic IDEA is delighted to announce the release of a two-pager report shedding light on “China’s Secret Cyberattacks”.
The document provides an overview of digital assaults perpetrated against the democratic institutions of both the UK and the US in recent years. Drawing from the indictment document of the US court, the report details the cyber-attacking strategies employed by the defendants. Furthermore, it unravels their intricate connections with the Communist Party of China.
Chinas-Secret-CyberattacksChina’s Secret Cyberattacks Read More »
Unveiling China’s Corporate Power Play: Guizhou Provincial Highway Engineering Group Co and CNTIC in Georgia and Abroad
Civic IDEA is pleased to share another China Watch report, “Unveiling China’s Corporate Power Play: Guizhou Provincial Highway Engineering Group Co and CNTIC in Georgia and Abroad,” overviewing the misconduct related to the two Chinese state-owned companies operating under the joint venture within the frames of Rikoti Bypass Project. We provide insights into the activities of these companies in Georgia, along with reports concerning the China National Technical Import and Export Corporation (CNTIC), which have garnered significant international media attention and are readily accessible through open sources.
See the full report below 👇
Workers’ Rights Watch
We are pleased to share with you our latest research “Workers’ Rights Watch” prepared with the support of NED and Caps Unlock. It delves into the details of labour relations within eight companies affiliated with the People’s Republic of China. The analysis is based on the conclusions made by the Labor Inspection Service of Georgia in the reporting period of 2022, the media monitoring conducted by us and the violations revealed as a result of multiple interviews with the victims. The findings underscore the critical need for implementing robust measures that compel companies to adhere to labor-legal norms, so that the socio-economic or civil-political rights aren’t violated.
For further details, please find the complete report attached below. 👇
Workers’ Rights Watch Read More »