Direct scheduled flights launched between Tbilisi and Shanghai
15 July
On 15 July, China Eastern Airlines operated the first direct scheduled service on the Shanghai-Tbilisi-Shanghai route. Flight MU285 landed at Tbilisi International Airport from Shanghai Pudong International Airport at around 7 p.m. local time, carrying 274 passengers.
China Eastern Airlines will operate the route three times a week – on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays – using wide-body Airbus A330 aircraft. It is the third Chinese carrier to launch scheduled passenger services between Georgia and China, joining China Southern Airlines and Air China.
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, Economy Minister Mariam Kvrivishvili, Chinese Ambassador Zhou Qian and China Eastern Airlines Vice President He Xiaozun attended the launch ceremony. Georgian and Chinese officials described the new route as an opportunity to boost tourism, business ties and investment.
Georgia takes part in World AI Conference in Shanghai
18 July
A Georgian delegation led by Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Mariam Kvrivishvili attended the World Artificial Intelligence Conference and the High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance in Shanghai.
Addressing the high-level meeting on 18 July, Kvrivishvili said Georgia was developing a national artificial intelligence strategy and planned to establish the country’s first AI research centre at the Kutaisi Technology Hub. The centre is expected to bring together researchers, start-ups and international technology companies.
She said a joint working group on artificial intelligence had been established under a memorandum between Georgia’s Economy Ministry and China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC). Kvrivishvili also highlighted plans for a Black Sea submarine fibre-optic cable and data centres, initiatives aimed at positioning Georgia as a regional digital hub.
Aliyev calls for expanded military-technical cooperation with China
13 July
The Fourth Shusha Global Media Forum was held on 13-14 July in Shusha, in Azerbaijan’s Karabakh region. President Ilham Aliyev attended the opening and, responding to participants’ questions, discussed expanding military-technical and economic cooperation with China.
Aliyev said the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership with China had opened a “new chapter” in bilateral relations. He said cooperation extended beyond infrastructure, transport and energy to the military and military-technical sectors. The president also highlighted Chinese companies’ participation in infrastructure projects, rising freight volumes along the Middle Corridor and plans to establish a solar-panel plant.
The Shusha Global Media Forum has been held annually since 2023. This year’s event brought together around 160 media representatives, experts and officials from 53 countries.
Azerbaijan’s Academy of Sciences signs memorandum with Hebei organisation
13 July
On 13 July, the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences and the Hebei Association for International Exchange of Personnel signed a memorandum of cooperation. The document provides for stronger scientific and professional ties, exchanges of researchers and specialists, and the implementation of joint projects.
Under the memorandum, the parties plan to share expertise and expand cooperation in science, education and innovation. The agreement is expected to support direct links between Azerbaijani and Chinese scientific institutions.
President of Azerbaijan’s Academy of Sciences attends international conference in China
13 July
On 13 July, Isa Habibbeyli, president of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, attended an international conference in Xiong’an, China. Participants discussed deepening international scientific cooperation, developing innovative projects and sharing expertise among specialists from different countries.
The conference aimed to strengthen ties between scientific institutions and create new opportunities for joint initiatives. More than 400 scientists, experts and representatives of various organisations from 30 countries attended the event.
Azerbaijan represented at literature congress in Beijing
15 July
On 15 July, Agshin Aliyev, head of the Azerbaijani Language Department at Beijing Foreign Studies University, took part in the China Literature Congress in Beijing.
He presented a paper on the development of Azerbaijani-Chinese literary relations in the context of the Silk Road and the representation of Chinese motifs in Azerbaijani literature.
More than 100 researchers from China and other countries attended the event. Discussions focused on literary ties, intercultural dialogue and the study of national literary traditions.
Azerbaijan and UnionPay discuss QR payment integration
17 July
Representatives of the Central Bank of Azerbaijan and China’s UnionPay International met on 17 July to discuss the development of QR code-based payments and further integration of payment systems in Azerbaijan.
The parties reviewed projects under a memorandum signed in January 2026 and outlined future areas of cooperation. Alongside the issuance and servicing of bank cards, the agreement covers interoperability between QR payment systems, cross-border money transfers and the introduction of tokenisation technologies.
Discussions focused on expanding access to digital payments and linking Azerbaijan’s payment infrastructure with international systems.
China donates X-ray equipment to Azerbaijan for demining operations
17 July
China donated two X-ray devices to Azerbaijan’s Mine Action Agency, ANAMA. The agency said the equipment would be used to detect and neutralise explosive devices in enclosed spaces and buildings.
The handover followed a visit to China by ANAMA representatives, who tested the equipment and discussed its technical capabilities with Chinese specialists. The agency said the new equipment would improve the safety and efficiency of demining operations.
Armenian delegation studies use of AI in China’s customs system
17 July
On 17 July, a delegation from Armenia’s State Revenue Committee took part in a training programme in Shanghai focused on introducing and managing artificial intelligence in Armenia’s customs system.
The delegation examined the use of artificial intelligence, automated inspections and “smart” cameras in Chinese customs operations. It included representatives of the State Revenue Committee and two ministries.
The parties also discussed a draft agreement to simplify customs procedures for trusted importers and exporters in Armenia and China. The training programme was funded by the Chinese government and organised by China Customs and Shanghai Customs University.
Armenian Investigative Committee delegation visits China’s Hunan province
17 July
On 17 July, a delegation from Armenia’s Investigative Committee, led by Deputy Chairman Armen Gevorgyan, paid a working visit to China’s Hunan province. Armenian officials met Wang You, Hunan’s vice-governor and head of the provincial Department of Public Security.
The two sides discussed deepening cooperation between law-enforcement agencies, sharing professional expertise and coordinating on legal matters. The delegation also included officials responsible for international cooperation and organisational affairs at the Investigative Committee.
Fifth volume of Xi Jinping’s book on governance launched in Bishkek
13 July
An event was held in Bishkek on 13 July to present the fifth volume of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s book The Governance of China. Participants discussed China’s development vision and opportunities for Kyrgyzstan and China to exchange experience in public administration.
The event was attended by Kyrgyz State Secretary Arslan Koichiev, former president Roza Otunbayeva, and representatives of the diplomatic corps, media and academia.
Participants also discussed how greater familiarity with China’s governance and development experience could help broaden intellectual and public ties between Kyrgyzstan and China.
Kyrgyzstan presents investment opportunities in China
16 July
At the international trade and economic conference “Foshan Quality Products – Connecting with Central Asia” in Foshan on 16 July, Kyrgyz representatives presented the country’s investment and export opportunities.
The event focused on strengthening economic links between Chinese businesses and Central Asian countries. Participants discussed expanding trade cooperation, launching new investment projects and establishing direct partnerships between companies.
The Kyrgyz side highlighted the country’s advantageous geographical location, investment climate and prospects for exporting local products to the Chinese market. The conference also served to promote Foshan-made goods in Central Asian markets and establish business links with regional companies.
Kyrgyzstan and China agree to advance major infrastructure projects
16 July
Deputy Chairman of Kyrgyzstan’s Cabinet of Ministers Erlist Akunbekov met Chen Xiaodong, head of the China International Development Cooperation Agency.
The two sides discussed 11 major projects covering agriculture, upgrades to healthcare facilities, the modernisation of transport and customs infrastructure, the supply of specialised equipment and environmental protection.
Talks also covered the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, the Bedel border crossing and the Barskoon-Bedel highway. The parties agreed to review project-related issues in greater detail at a meeting of the intergovernmental commission.
Air China launches direct Beijing-Bishkek flights
17 July
Air China operated its first direct flight from Beijing to Bishkek’s Manas International Airport on 17 July. It is the airline’s first non-stop route between the Chinese and Kyrgyz capitals.
Flights will operate three times a week, on Mondays, Fridays and Sundays, using Airbus A321 aircraft. Chinese Ambassador Liu Jiangping described the new route as an important step towards strengthening economic, trade and people-to-people ties between the two countries.
Chinese delegation takes part in SCO cultural events at Issyk-Kul
19 July
Cultural events involving member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation were held on 18-19 July at the Rukh Ordo Cultural Centre in Cholpon-Ata. The programme featured concerts and artistic performances by delegations from Kyrgyzstan, China and other SCO member states.
Participating countries presented national music and dance performances. The programme aimed to strengthen cultural ties among SCO member states and bring their societies closer together. The events were held as part of Kyrgyzstan’s SCO chairmanship and were linked to a meeting of culture ministers from the organisation’s member states.
