Following the establishment of a strategic partnership between Georgia and the People’s Republic of China, bilateral political relations have entered a broader and more multifaceted phase. The increasing number of visits by Georgian officials to China has now been joined by the official visit of the Speaker of the Georgian Dream’s Parliament, Shalva Papuashvili. The head of the legislative body departed for Beijing on May 18.
A central component of the visit consisted of meetings held in Beijing, during which Shalva Papuashvili personally met with Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress.
One of the main topics of discussion was the deepening of the strategic partnership between Georgia and China and the expansion of political dialogue. The sides noted that the two countries are already connected by significant legal and economic frameworks, including a free trade agreement and a visa-free regime, which, according to official assessments, contribute to the growth of trade and tourism flows.
Chinese official statements noted that relations between the two countries have entered a “new stage”, while Beijing once again reaffirmed its support for Georgia’s sovereignty and independence. In response, Papuashvili stated that Georgia continues to support the “One China Principle” and will actively engage in global development initiatives.
In addition to Beijing, Shalva Papuashvili visited Shaanxi Province, where he met with Zhao Yide, Chairman of the local provincial legislature. The meetings focused on issues of regional economic and cultural cooperation.
The visit program also prominently included meetings with China’s leading political institutions. In particular, the Speaker of Parliament met with Wang Huning, Chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC). The discussions focused on strengthening interparliamentary cooperation and developing institutional dialogue.
The parliamentary chairman also delivered a lecture at China Foreign Affairs University. During his speech, he spoke about Georgia’s geopolitical role, noting that the country has historically been part of the “Silk Road” and today represents an important link in the “Middle Corridor”, which strengthens transport connectivity between Europe and Asia. Addressing students and faculty members, Papuashvili reviewed Georgia’s foreign policy priorities and the country’s role in international transit and trade processes.
Speaking with the media, Shalva Papuashvili summarized the results of the visit and emphasized its “historical significance“. According to official assessments, the Chinese authorities and Tbilisi share an “absolutely identical approach“ to international challenges, which is based on peaceful coexistence and respect for the principles of international law.
Papuashvili’s visit is further evidence that visits by Georgian officials to China are no longer isolated diplomatic acts. The increasing frequency of trips to Beijing and various Chinese provinces by parliamentary committees and members of the ruling party in recent years suggests that the “eastern direction” has become one of the most active vectors of Georgia’s current foreign policy strategy.
