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The digest covers China's political, diplomatic, economic, and other activities in the South Caucasus region and relations between China and the South Caucasus countries. It relies on a wide variety of sources, including the Chinese media. It is worth noting that the Chinese media is controlled by the Chinese Communist Party (according to the World Press Freedom Index China is nearly at the bottom of the list and ranks 179th out of 180 countries)
Read the full publication: The eighth round of Georgia-China political consultations held in Beijing
A photo from the meeting. Source: The Embassy of Georgia in China
On July 7, the eighth round of political consultations at the level of Deputy Ministers was held between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Georgia and China in Beijing. The consultations were led by the Georgian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Aleksandre Khvtisiashvili, and the First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of China, Ma Zhaoxu. The Embassy of Georgia in China reported that a wide range of bilateral and multilateral cooperation issues had been discussed, including "regarding the perfecting of political, economic, cultural-humanitarian, and bilateral legal framework". The two sides` emphasized the deepening of the partnership in trade-economic, investment, transport, logistics, agriculture, tourism, and information technology areas. Reportedly, Aleksandre Khvtisiashvili emphasized Georgia's commitment to the "One-China Principle" and the Chinese side "once again confirmed its support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia within the internationally recognized borders".
Chinese Ambassador and Armenia’s General Staff of the Armed Forces discuss cooperation
A photo from the meeting. Sources: The Embassy of China to Armenia
On July 4, the Chinese Ambassador to Armenia, Fan Yong, invited the Chief of the General Staff of the Armenian Armed Forces, Edvard Asryan to the Chinese Embassy. The Embassy wrote that China was ready to work together with Armenia to strengthen exchanges and cooperation "to bring the relationship between the two countries’ armed forces to a new level in a new era". Reportedly, Asryan "highly appreciated the deep friendship between the peoples of Armenia and China, and the lasting foundation of cooperation between the armed forces of the two countries", and expressed his readiness "to help strengthen practical cooperation between the armed forces of the two countries, strengthen exchanges at all levels and promote the further development of military cooperation between the two countries".
Azerbaijani and Chinese representatives discuss cooperation, sign MOU
A photo from the meeting. Source: Baku City Executive Power
On July 3, Baku City Executive Power reported that at the invitation of China's Sichuan province, the delegation headed by the Head of the Executive Power of Baku City, Eldar Azizov, met with the Governor of the province, Xuan Jian. Reportedly, during the meeting, Xuan Jian made a proposal to open a Chengdu-Baku air route. At the end of the meeting, a Memorandum of Understanding on the establishment of friendship and partnership relations between Baku and the Sichuan Province of China was signed. Later, the Baku delegation arrived in Beijing and met with Deputy Mayor, Xma Xun at the Beijing City Hall. Reportedly, tan agreement was reached on the signing of a memorandum of cooperation between the two capitals.
Chinese Ambassador presents Xi Jinping's initiatives to Armenian representatives
A photo from the meeting. Source: The Embassy of Armenia to China
On July 6, the Chinese Ambassador to Armenia, Fan Yong, invited the Deputy Chairman of Armenia's National Assembly, the head of the Armenia-China Friendship Group, Hakob Arshakyan, and members of the Group to the Chinese Embassy. Reportedly, the Ambassador presented to the Armenian side the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative, "as well as the position of the new convocation of the Armenia-China Friendship Group and the National People's Congress". He expressed his readiness to help the legislatures of the two sides "to strengthen exchanges and bring the friendship and cooperation between China and Armenia to a new level". According to the Embassy, Arshakyan said he would continue to promote cooperation and exchanges between the National Assembly of Armenia and the National People's Congress of China, work with the Chinese side "to deepen the traditional friendship between the two countries and develop bilateral relations at a healthy and sustainable pace".
China-Georgia FTA was discussed between Chinese and Georgian representatives On July 8, Agenda reported that the implementation of the Free Trade Agreement between Georgia and China over the past five years was discussed by the Georgian Deputy Economy Minister Genadi Arveladze and Han Yong, the Department Head of WTO Affairs of the Chinese Commerce Ministry, in a joint commission meeting held in Tbilisi. Reportedly, they underlined "the achievements of bilateral trade and economic cooperation and positively assessed the progress made since the conclusion of the Free Trade Agreement in January 2018". Arveladze noted that since the implementation of the Agreement, the exports to China had increased "significantly", including several new export products such "as orthopedic and surgical equipment, dry fruits, spices, coffee, and tea extracts". They also discussed promotion of the export of wine and other alcoholic beverages from Georgia to China.
An event dedicated to Armenia-China diplomatic relations was held in Beijing A concert exhibition dedicated to 31 years of Armenia-China diplomatic relations was held in Beijing, China's state-controlled China Daily reported on June 26. The event was organized by the Armenian Embassy in China in cooperation with the Jintai Museum. The Armenian Ambassador to China, Sergey Manassarian, said that Armenia and China had achievements in different fields of their bilateral relations, cooperation in the field of culture, education, and "fantastic results" in economic ties. He also said that there was a very good result of cooperation within the international organizations: "At least, if we are speaking about the most sensitive subjects for both countries, we understand each other 100%".
Armenian scholar comments positively on Xi Jinping's proposal and China On July 7, China's state-controlled China Daily reported "global experts’" comments on the CCP Chairman Xi Jinping's speech at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization virtual summit. The Chairman of the Center for Political and Economic Strategic Studies in Armenia, Benyamin Poghosyan, said that "Xi's proposals forging closer SCO partnerships align with the interests and aspirations of people from various countries, demonstrate China's responsible role as a major country, and contribute to regional and global peace and development". |
