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.
