CHINA WATCH

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 177th out of 180 countries)

• China supports Azerbaijan in light of future activities of Parliamentary Network of Non-Aligned Movement
• Tiangbei Logistics freight train departs from Wuwei to Tbilisi
• Confucius Institutes in Baku, Tbilisi hold activities related to Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics

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China supports Azerbaijan in light of future activities of Parliamentary Network of Non-Aligned Movement

On February 12, Azernews reported that the Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China Li Zhanshu wrote a letter to the Speaker of the Azerbaijani Parliament Sahiba Gafarova. According to Li Zhanshu, China supports Azerbaijan in the light of the future activities of the Parliamentary Network of the Non-Aligned Movement. During 2019-2022, Azerbaijan chairs the Non-Aligned Movement.

Li Zhanshu stated that the constituent assembly of the NAM Parliamentary Network, which took place on November 28, 2021, in Madrid, was a success. He “highly appreciated“ the efforts of the Azerbaijani parliament and Sahiba Gafarova on expanding cooperation between the parliaments of the NAM Member States.

Li Zhanshu expressed China’s readiness to establish close cooperation with the legislative bodies of member countries of the Parliamentary Network of the Non-Aligned Movement.

In the letter, there was noted the importance of the joint efforts on “developing multiculturalism and strengthening peace throughout the world“.

Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister meets China’s Ambassador

Fan Yong and Mnatsakan Safaryan. Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia

On February 9, Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister Mnatsakan Safaryan received Chinese Ambassador to Armenia Fan Yong.

They reportedly discussed issues related to the activation of mutual contacts, promotion of cooperation in the economic sphere, and holding events dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between Armenia and China.

The Deputy Foreign Minister congratulated the Ambassador on the opening of the 24th Beijing Winter Olympics.

Tiangbei Logistics freight train departs from Wuwei to Tbilisi

Tiangbei Logistics reported that on February 7, the first freight train of their company loaded with 40’HQ containers departed from Wuwei, Gansu Province, China in the direction of Tbilisi, Georgia. Arrival time at its destination was approximately 12-15 days.

Azerbaijan-China youth online exchange meeting held on Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics

Source: Azertac

The Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics Azerbaijan-China youth online exchange meeting was held, Azertac reported on February 8. The meeting was organized with the support of the Azerbaijani Language Teaching and Research Section at the Asian Institute, Beijing Foreign Studies University and the Confucius Institute at the Azerbaijan University of Languages, aiming to enhance the friendship between the two peoples through cultural exchange activities.

The Confucius Institute in Tbilisi holds drawing contest on the Beijing Winter Olympics

On February 9, the Confucius Institute at Free University of Tbilisi announced a cycle of New Year events. According to the report, among them was a drawing competition “China - an interesting world“ for schoolchildren. This year the theme of the drawings was the Winter Olympics.

Confucius Institute in Azerbaijan held another cultural promotion activity

Photo from the event. Source: Azertac

On February 10, at the invitation of Azerbaijan’s ADA University, the Confucius Institute at the Baku State University held the “Enter China” cultural promotion activity.