Weekly news

China in the South Caucasus and Kyrgyzstan (October 13-19)

Georgia

Mariam Kvrivishvili met the Chinese Ambassador to Georgia

The Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development under Ivanishvili’s regime, Mariam Kvrivishvili, met with the Chinese Ambassador to Georgia, Zhou Qian.

According to the released information, the parties discussed the positive dynamics of the Georgia–China partnership, particularly in the areas of trade and economic relations. The meeting also addressed issues of bilateral cooperation in civil aviation and tourism.

As stated in the ministry’s press release, special attention was given to China’s Ninth International Import Exhibition, scheduled for November 5–10. The Georgian side received an official invitation to participate in the event, where more than 40 Georgian companies are expected to be represented.

October 15

Chinese Ambassador’s Article on the “One China Principle” Published in Georgian Media

On October 17, an article titled “The One-China Principle is Unquestionable and UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 is Unchallenged”, authored by the Chinese Ambassador to Georgia, Zhou Qian, was published in the Georgian newspaper Resonance.

Several parts of the article drew particular attention, as the ambassador strongly reaffirmed the PRC’s rigid stance on the “One China” principle. Below are key excerpts and observations from the text:

The ambassador emphasized that “Taiwan is an inalienable part of China.” He asserted that UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 is grounded in the One China Principle, claiming that it explicitly states “there is only one China in the world, and the government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legitimate representative of all of China, including Taiwan.”

The article further criticized “individual countries and the Taiwan authorities” for “frequently making a fuss about UN General Assembly Resolution 2758.” Zhou Qian also warned that “it is impossible for China to sit idly by and allow attempts to split Taiwan to succeed.”

In the concluding section, after outlining China’s perspective on Taiwan, the ambassador turned to the theme of Georgia–China relations, highlighting that the two countries “trust each other and respect each other’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.”

He added that “China highly appreciates Georgia’s long-term adherence to the One-China principle and is willing to work with Georgia to continue firmly supporting each other in safeguarding our core interests.”

However, it is noteworthy that Georgia has not received reciprocal support from the People’s Republic of China regarding its own territorial integrity on the international stage. Despite the establishment of the Georgia–China Strategic Partnership in 2023, China has consistently abstained from voting on UN General Assembly resolutions reaffirming the right of return for all displaced persons and refugees from Georgia’s Abkhazia and Tskhinvali/South Ossetia regions. China’s position has remained unchanged since then.

October 17

"Emotions Are Georgia - Experience of Georgia's Four Seasons" was held in Beijing

Against the backdrop of the growing Georgia-China strategic partnership and people-to-people ties, the Georgian National Tourism Administration, with the active support of the Embassy of Georgia in China, held a cultural event at Longfu Square in Beijing (“一往情深·格鲁吉亚” ). The three-day program, held from October 17–19, introduced Chinese guests to Georgian culture up close.

The event was attended by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Georgia to the People’s Republic of China, Paata Kalandadze, who emphasized the importance of the friendly relations and strategic partnership between Georgia and China in his welcoming speech.

October 19

Azerbaijan

23 Chinese Students Continue Their Studies in Azerbaijan

Within the framework of the Azerbaijani Government’s Scholarship Program for 2025–2026, 65 international students have been awarded scholarships to continue their studies at Azerbaijani universities. Among the scholarship recipients are 23 students from the People’s Republic of China.

Under this program, the students have been granted the opportunity to pursue studies at various higher education institutions across Azerbaijan. Notably, nine of the Chinese students will continue their education at Baku State University.

October 14

Chinese Companies Participate in Caspian Construction Week Exhibition

The 30th Caspian Construction Week Exhibition was held in Baku, bringing together leading construction sector companies from across the region. The event encompassed several major international exhibitions, including the International Construction Exhibition and the Exhibition on Renewing and Developing Karabakh.

A total of 299 companies from 17 countries participated in the exhibition, among them representatives from the People’s Republic of China. 

Azerbaijani media outlets put particular emphasis on the participation of Chinese companies. According to an article by the Azerbaijani state information agency, the presence of Chinese companies at the Plastex Caspian exhibition is expected to contribute to the development of the industry and the expansion of international cooperation.”

October 14

Chinese–Azerbaijani Trade Relations (January–August 2025)

According to the Azerbaijani state information agency, during January–August 2025, Azerbaijani legal entities and individuals maintained trade relations with 173 countries.

Data published by the State Customs Committee indicates that 87.8% of Azerbaijan’s total foreign trade volume was conducted with Türkiye, Russia, China, Germany, and several other countries.

Notably, 19.1% of Azerbaijan’s imported goods originated from the People’s Republic of China — placing China first among Azerbaijan’s trade partners in terms of imports, ahead of Türkiye and Russia.

In contrast, Azerbaijan’s main export destinations were Italy, Türkiye, Russia, the Czech Republic, and Bulgaria, among others. Only 3.5% of Azerbaijani exports were directed to China, highlighting a significant trade imbalance between the two countries.

October 14

Agreement Between the Food Safety Agency of Azerbaijan and China’s General Administration of Customs

elegation from the Food Safety Agency of Azerbaijan paid an official visit to China with the stated aim of expanding the export destinations of Azerbaijani food products.

During the visit, the Food Safety Agency of Azerbaijan and the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) signed a draft protocol on inspection, quarantine, and sanitary requirements for hazelnuts and almonds exported from Azerbaijan to China.

In addition, both sides signed a document outlining cooperation mechanisms in the field of food safety concerning export and import operations.

October 14

Chinese Representatives Attend Conference on Health Tourism in Baku

An international conference titled “Health Tourism Conference 2025: Future Directions of Well-Being and Medical Tourism” was held in Baku, organized by the Baku State Tourism Agency.

The event brought together representatives from various countries, including Türkiye, North Macedonia, Thailand, the United Kingdom, and China.

From the People’s Republic of China, the Association of Health and Medical Tourism participated in the conference. The president of the association delivered a speech highlighting the importance of developing the health and medical tourism sectors and strengthening international cooperation in this field.

October 15

Azerbaijani and Chinese Doctors Conduct Joint Operation

According to the Azerbaijani State Information Agency, Azerbaijani and Chinese surgeons jointly performed a remote operation using robotic technology. The agency described the event as an “unprecedented innovative milestone in Azerbaijan’s medical history.”

Azerbaijani Representative Attends International Congress in Beijing

Professor Gulnaz Mahir Dadashov, Director of Azerbaijan’s Scientific-Research Institute of Cardiology, participated in an international cardiology congress held in Beijing, where she delivered a speech during one of the sessions.

According to the released information, within the framework of the congress, the Scientific-Research Institute of Cardiology under Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Health and Tsinghua University are set to sign a memorandum of cooperation in scientific, research, and academic fields.

October 17

Multimodal Transit Transport Launched from China to Azerbaijan

The first international multimodal transit transport route along the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan–Turkmenistan–Azerbaijan corridor has been launched from China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.

Azerbaijan’s state information agency described the event as a significant development in the creation of a transport corridor connecting Asia and Europe within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative.

October 18

Armenia

Armenia Strengthens Logistical Ties with China

A multimodal transport route has been launched connecting Armenia and Kazakhstan via Turkmenistan and Iran.

Armenian experts view this development as an opportunity to deepen trade relations with Central Asia. The transport routes integrate two key corridors: China–Kazakhstan–Uzbekistan–Turkmenistan–Iran–Armenia and China–Kazakhstan–Turkmenistan–Iran–Armenia, enhancing connectivity between China and Armenia.

October 17

Chinese Ambassador’s Article on Taiwan Published in Armenian Media

An article by the Chinese Ambassador to Armenia, Li Xinwei, titled The Undeniable One-China Principle and the New Strategic Partnership Between China and Armenia: Thoughts by the Chinese Ambassador to Armenia, was published in Armenian media. The piece reiterates China’s firm and strict stance on Taiwan’s status. Key parts include:

The ambassador emphasized that Taiwan’s return is an indispensable part of the outcomes of World War II and the established post-war international order.” He asserted that historical and legal evidence clearly confirms Taiwan’s link to China.

Li Xinwei highlighted that the international community recognized this reality in 1971 when the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution 2758, which formally confirmed that:

  1. There is only one China,
  2. Taiwan is an inalienable part of China, and
  3. The government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legitimate representative of all of China.

The ambassador condemned the actions of Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and some external forces for allegedly distorting Resolution 2758 to promote a false narrative of Taiwan’s undetermined status and to expand its international space for self-serving purposes.

In conclusion, Li Xinwei emphasized the strong bilateral relationship between China and Armenia, noting that the Armenian side fully endorses the One-China principle, recognizing the PRC as the sole legal government and Taiwan as an inseparable part of China. Armenia opposes Taiwan independence and firmly supports China’s national reunification efforts. In reciprocity, the ambassador stated that China fully supports Armenia’s political independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the inviolability of its borders, and expressed support for Armenia’s Crossroads of Peace initiative.

Kyrgyzstan

Chinese Business Delegation Visits Bishkek

On October 14, 2025, representatives of major companies from China, specifically Shanghai, arrived in Kyrgyzstan on a business visit. The delegation, which included the Chief Engineer of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan highway project, as well as senior executives from the pharmaceutical and infrastructure sectors, held a meeting with Temir Sariev, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) of the Kyrgyz Republic.

Following the negotiations, the parties agreed to organize a business tour to Shanghai for Kyrgyz companies. As CCI President Sariev noted, the ultimate goal is to translate Chinese interest into concrete contracts.

October 14

Statement by the President of the Women's Congress of Kyrgyzstan

In an interview given to China’s official news agency Xinhua on October 15, 2025, Zamira Akbagisheva, President of the Women’s Congress of Kyrgyzstan, stated that China plays a critically important role in protecting and improving women’s rights in recent decades.

She also thanked China for supporting women’s initiatives in Kyrgyzstan and noted that the success of Chinese women is a clear example of people-centered governance.

October 15

Interview with an influential expert in Kyrgyz political circles

In an interview published by China’s official news agency Xinhua on October 17, 2025, Sheradil Baktygulov, Director of the “World Policy Institute” of Kyrgyzstan, is cited as referring to China as an active proponent of international and global progress. He believes that the rising anti-globalist tendencies, protectionism, and unilateralism pose a serious challenge to the world order.

According to Baktygulov, against the backdrop of these global challenges, China has introduced a concept based on the principles of openness, mutual benefit, and justice.

October 17

Official Visit of the InvestHK Delegation to Central Asia

On October 18, 2025, Ms. Alpha Lau, Director-General of Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK), the government agency of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, commenced an official eight-day visit to three Central Asian countries: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan.

This event is directly related to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and underscores Beijing’s efforts to strengthen regional economic ties. The visit aims to present the capabilities of Hong Kong as a leading international financial hub to the Central Asian nations. Ms. Lau noted that Hong Kong’s robust regulatory framework and low-tax regime provide a foundation for offering diverse financing channels for the region’s infrastructure and other development projects.

October 18

China in the South Caucasus and Kyrgyzstan (October 13-19) Read More »

China’s Engagement in the South Caucasus and Kazakhstan (October 6–12)

Georgia

Chinese Influencers and Bloggers Visit Tbilisi

Organized by the City Service of Economic Development of Tbilisi City Hall, representatives of China’s digital media and tourism sector, including bloggers and members of tourism associations, visited Tbilisi. The delegation was welcomed by Vakhtang Lomjaria, Head of the City Service of Economic Development.

As part of a digital promotion campaign, the visiting media representatives will share content on their platforms showcasing Tbilisi’s tourist attractions and opportunities, aiming to attract more Chinese tourists to Georgia.

October 10, 2025

Vice-President of the Asian Development Bank to Attend Tbilisi Silk Road Forum

Ingmin Yang, Vice-President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), will participate in the Tbilisi Silk Road Forum, scheduled to take place on October 22–23 in Tbilisi.

During the forum, Ingmin Yang will speak at the panel discussion titled “Middle Corridor: From Reliability to Efficiency.”

Before his appointment as Vice-President of the ADB, Ingmin Yang held several leadership positions at the Ministry of Finance of the People’s Republic of China.

October 10, 2025

Prime Minister Kobakhidze Meets with Chinese Ambassador

Ivanishvili’s Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze met with the Chinese Ambassador to Georgia, Zhou Qian.

According to the information released by the Press Service of Ivanishvili’s Government, the Ambassador congratulated Prime Minister Kobakhidze on the ruling party’s “convincing victory” in the recent local elections.

During the meeting, Ambassador Zhou Qian also delivered an official invitation from the Chinese side to attend the 8th China International Import Expo, scheduled to be held in Shanghai from November 5 to 10.

It is noteworthy that the bilateral meetings between Irakli Kobakhidze and the Ambassador of China are held on a regular basis. Specifically, prior to the meeting on October 10, Kobakhidze had met with the Chinese Ambassador three times during the year. Consequently, it gives the impression that the regular diplomatic meetings with the Chinese Ambassador have turned into a kind of series of political consultations.

October 10, 2025

Armenia

Armenian Prime Minister met AIIB Representative

Armenian Deputy Prime Minister Tigran Khachatryan on Friday received Konstantin Limitovskiy, Chief Investment Officer for Public Sector (Region 2) & Project and Corporate Finance (Global) Clients of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), according to the Armenian government press service.

Khachatryan claimed that Armenia’s membership in the AIIB will create new opportunities for participation in large regional investment projects, as well as for attracting both public and private capital to implement programs in various sectors in the country.

In turn, Limitovskiy emphasized the importance of the AIIB developing partnership relations with Armenia, and expressed confidence that his visit to the country would provide a good opportunity to become acquainted with the infrastructure projects being implemented in Armenia, as well as to outline the main directions of bilateral cooperation.

During the meeting, the sides exchanged views on possible domains of cooperation, particularly discussing a wide range of matters related to major infrastructure projects, energy, water management, and several other sectors.

October 10, 2025

Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan University of Languages (AUL) Celebrates the Chinese “Mid-Autumn” Festival

The Confucius Institute at the Azerbaijan University of Languages celebrated the traditional Chinese “Mid-Autumn” Festival with a cultural event highlighting the history and customs associated with the occasion.

During the celebration, Confucius Institute teacher Kamala Mammadova and Director Rafig Abbasov spoke about the origins of the festival, the symbolism of the Moon Cake, and various other cultural traditions. As part of the event, university students recited poems by Chinese authors.

October 6, 2025

Azerbaijani Student Wins Competition in China

Kamil Buniatov, a student of the Confucius Institute at the Azerbaijan University of Languages, participated in the final stage of the 18th International “Chinese Bridge” Competition for school students, held in Tianjin, China.

During the competition, Kamil Buniatov received an award “For Outstanding Achievement” and earned a scholarship to study in China, recognizing his excellence in Chinese language and cultural proficiency.

October 7, 2025

Sino-Azerbaijani Economic Partnership Prospects Discussed

Representatives of the Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Agency (AZPROMO) met with a delegation from the Chinese Overseas Development Association, led by its President Xu Jianping.

During the meeting, the parties discussed ways to deepen bilateral economic cooperation, explore opportunities for establishing partnerships with the Association and its member companies, and consider prospects for creating a formal framework to strengthen long-term collaboration between Azerbaijan and China.

October 7, 2025

Chinese Technologies Utilized in the Bilasuvar Solar Power Station

In Azerbaijan’s Bilasuvar District, construction is underway on a 445 MW solar power station, scheduled to begin operations in 2027.

According to official information, the project is being implemented using technologies produced by the Chinese company JA Solar. The station will include more than 943,000 Chinese-made solar panels, highlighting the growing role of Chinese renewable energy technologies in Azerbaijan’s energy sector.

October 9, 2025

Kazakhstan
Cutting-Edge Laboratory Opens in East Kazakhstan

On October 8, an ultra-modern veterinary laboratory was officially inaugurated in the East Kazakhstan region. This project was executed under an intergovernmental agreement between Kazakhstan and China. The primary objective of opening the laboratory is to enhance the level of food safety and strengthen the country’s agricultural export potential.

The facility has received accreditation under both international (ISO 17025) and Chinese standards, which will enable Kazakhstan to expand its exports of agricultural products to China and other markets without facing technical barriers. As part of the cooperation, the Government of China provided the institution with 99 units of modern laboratory equipment, valued at 840 million Tenge. Annually, the laboratory is capable of conducting up to 550,000 tests for particularly dangerous infections and food safety indicators.

Astana Conference: China Supports Upholding International Law Norms

Last week, on October 8, Astana hosted a regional conference dedicated to strengthening political commitment to International Humanitarian Law (IHL). This initiative was established in 2024 at the UN General Assembly by six states—Kazakhstan, China, Brazil, France, Jordan, and South Africa—and aims to overcome the problem of the practical non-compliance with international law norms during armed conflicts.

The conference was attended by the Chinese side, and the meeting discussed practical mechanisms that will facilitate the better enforcement and functioning of international law in Central Asia, the South Caucasus, and Eastern Europe. China’s active participation in this political process clearly demonstrates Beijing’s strategic ambition to expand its influence into non-military spheres of global governance.

Kazakhstan Among China's Top Five Most Sought-After Destinations for Hotel Bookings

According to data from October 9, Kazakhstan has ranked among the top five fastest-growing international destinations for Chinese travelers in terms of hotel reservations. According to “Kazakh Tourism,” this trend is linked to China’s eight-day National Day Holiday and the Mid-Autumn Festival breaks.

Data confirms the effectiveness of the bilateral visa-free regime policy: the number of tourists arriving in Kazakhstan from China reached 675,000 during the first nine months of the current year, marking a significant increase compared to the analogous period last year (655,000). This surge is further supported by growing digital interest: according to China’s largest search engine, “Baidu,” the daily search frequency regarding Kazakhstan reached 430,000, with particularly high activity observed from the economically strong regions of Guangdong and Beijing.

Kazakhstan Expands Strategic Investment Projects with China

In an article published on October 10 by the Kazinform International News Agency, it is noted that 14 major investment projects will be implemented in West Kazakhstan as part of a direct directive from President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. This initiative underscores the strategic partnership between China and Kazakhstan. Chinese investors plan to inject over 134 billion Tenge into key sectors of the region’s economy.

The entire package of projects, which will be executed by a single Chinese consortium, serves various objectives. For example, the first phase involves the construction of a 34-megawatt gas power plant in the industrial zone, ensuring a stable energy supply for future enterprises. The Chinese company, VEGA Power, announced that the project is phased, with the initial investment totaling $30 million USD.

October 10, 2025

Kazakhstan Expands Mining and Metallurgy Production with China's Assistance

This week, on October 13, the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan, Olzhas Bektenov, met with Chen Jing He, Chairman of the Board of Directors of China’s world-class metallurgical giant, Zijin Mining Group. The central topic of the negotiations was the deepening of investment cooperation in the mining and metallurgical sector.

The parties agreed to work jointly on a large-scale mining and metallurgical investment complex project in the Akmola region. Prime Minister Bektenov emphasized the Kazakh government’s support for projects that possess high added value. This type of partnership is essential for expanding mineral production, creating permanent jobs, and introducing ecologically sustainable, advanced technologies.

China’s Engagement in the South Caucasus and Kazakhstan (October 6–12) Read More »

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