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 178th out of 180 countries).
Armenia-China
Relations Deepening Across Political, Defence, Media, Transport Spheres
- Military Cooperation
On July 30, Massispost reported that the Chief of the General Staff of the Armenian Armed Forces Edvard Asryan stated that cooperation between Yerevan and Beijing had been actively expanding following the elevation of Armenia-China relations to a strategic partnership in 2025.
Reportedly, military cooperation had expanded through working-level contacts between the Armenian and Chinese defence ministries and the development of practical cooperation. In military education, the number of Armenian service members studying at Chinese military institutions had increased, alongside the implementation of joint educational programs. Cooperation had also developed in military science, personnel training and the exchange of professional experience.
Earlier, during a military parade held in Armenia on May 28, several pieces of military equipment acquired from China were displayed, including the GAM-102LR anti-tank guided missile system, ASN-301 unmanned aerial vehicle and its launch system, the CH-4 multipurpose unmanned aerial vehicle and robotic infantry combat platforms known as “robot wolves.”
- Political and Institutional Engagement Strengthens
On July 17, Armenpress reported that a delegation led by the Armenian Investigative Committee Deputy Chairman Armen Gevorgyan had met with Hunan Vice Governor and the Head of the Provincial Department of Public Security Wang You. Both sides underscored the “importance of such meetings” and highlighted their effectiveness in expanding cooperation in the legal field.
Earlier, on July 3, Chinese Ambassador to Armenia Li Xinwei participated in a seminar organised by the Chinese Embassy to mark the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese Communist Party, where representatives of leading Armenian universities and analytical centres were present. Li stated that China and Armenia, as developing countries and members of the Global South, could intensify exchanges of experience in public administration and jointly advance toward modernisation.
At a separate official reception marking the 99th anniversary of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China, on July 30, Chinese Ambassador to Armenia Li Xinwei made a statement. He noted that a new era of peace, cooperation and interconnectedness was taking shape in the South Caucasus and expressed China’s wishes for Armenia’s success in realising its vision of peace, stability, development and prosperity.
- Media Exchanges Increase
An Armenian media delegation, including Armenpress, visited China’s Xinjiang region on July 23-24, reportedly on an “exploratory tour aimed at gaining insights into the region’s rapid development”. Armenpress English Department Editor-in-Chief Stepan Kocharyan stated that they had observed “the level of attention the government is giving to all sectors of public life”, saying that the facility was “doing an amazing job in caring for so many families who represent so many ethnicities”.
Throughout July, Armenpress published a series of articles highlighting China’s cultural heritage, technological development, poverty alleviation efforts and Silk Road connections with Armenia.
- Transport and Connectivity Boost Economic Ties
Air connectivity between the two countries has strengthened, with China Southern Airlines increasing the frequency of its Urumqi-Yerevan flights from three to six per week starting July 21.
Azerbaijan-China
Relations in Political, Military Spheres
- Political and Inter-Party Dialogue Deepens
On July 23, the Deputy Chairman and the Head of the Central Office of the ruling New Azerbaijan Party (YAP) Tahir Budagov met with a delegation of the Chinese Communist Party led by the Deputy Director General of the Information Research Centre of the International Department of the CCP Central Committee Kang Shuai.
He reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s unwavering support for the “One China” policy, stressing the “strategic significance” of the Belt and Road Initiative and the Zangezur Corridor.
Budagov added that the inter-party cooperation between YAP and CCP, reciprocal visits and enhancing youth interaction contribute to cementing bilateral ties.
- Military Cooperation and Strategic Alignment
On July 29, Azertac reported that a ceremony marking the 99th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army was held in Baku.
In her remarks, Chinese Ambassador to Azerbaijan Lu Mei stated that military cooperation constituted an important part of the bilateral strategic partnership and that the Chinese military was ready to further enhance exchanges and cooperation with the Azerbaijani Armed Forces. She added that China would work with Azerbaijan to implement agreements reached by the two heads of state, deepen cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative and in artificial intelligence, and jointly advance regional and global peace and development.
China’s Military Attaché to Azerbaijan Colonel Sun Zhong highlighted that China-Azerbaijan military ties had developed through high-level visits, professional dialogue and military personnel training, strengthening mutual understanding and laying a foundation for future cooperation.
- Resources and Water Management
On July 23, Azerbaijan and China discussed cooperation in water management and mineral resources, Azerbaijani Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov wrote on X.
Georgia-China
Relations Deepen in Strategic Partnership, Connectivity, AI
- High-Level Political Engagement and Strategic Alignment
On July 1, 1TV reported that Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze from the Georgian Dream party had met with Chinese Ambassador to Georgia Zhou Qian. Reportedly, it was noted in the meeting that the transition to a comprehensive strategic partnership would create qualitatively new opportunities in Georgia-China relations, including in political, trade-economic and transit ties. The discussion also covered the “tangible results achieved during the strategic partnership” and prospects for future cooperation.
On July 9, 1TV reported that Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili from the Georgian Dream party held a farewell meeting with Chinese Ambassador to Georgia Zhou Qian. They discussed growing parliamentary cooperation and regional policy issues, emphasising the importance of further cooperation in connectivity.
- Georgia-China Strategic Partnership Highlighted by the Launch of Direct Tbilisi-Shanghai Flights, Strong Praise of China’s Development Model
On July 16, 1TV reported that Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze from the Georgian Dream party had stated during an event marking the launch of direct regular air services between Tbilisi and Shanghai that partnership and relations with China were of special importance for Georgia, describing China as a peaceful state focused on development, modernisation and progress.
“China is extremely successful in all areas, which is the result of the wise policy of the Chinese government, Chinese President Xi Jinping. We are doing everything to further develop bilateral relations. Close political cooperation between Georgia and China is very important to us,” he added.
He also noted that the economic partnership between the countries was developing “very rapidly” and said that they were paying special attention to cooperation in the fields of education and culture. Kobakhidze also stated that direct flights would significantly contribute to the development of bilateral relations.
On July 20, Interpressnews reported that Georgian Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Mariam Kvrivishvili from the Georgian Dream party had stated, following the first Shanghai-Tbilisi flight, that direct flights, growing economic ties, increased trade turnover and active transport and logistics were “a truly clear demonstration of what strategic cooperation between the countries means”.
- Artificial Intelligence Working Group
On July 17, Georgian Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Mariam Kvrivishvili from the Georgian Dream party participated in the world conference on Artificial Intelligence and the high-level meeting on global governance of Artificial Intelligence in Shanghai, China.
In her remarks, she spoke of the opening day of the conference, noting that attendees had the opportunity to listen to Xi Jinping’s address, which she said had demonstrated the importance China attached to international partnership and the development of artificial intelligence.
Kvrivishvili also stated that, based on a memorandum signed between Georgia’s Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development and China’s National Development and Reform Commission, a joint working group had been established to deepen cooperation in the field of AI. She added that the Georgia-China partnership was increasingly being translated into concrete initiatives.
- Diplomatic Messaging
On July 27, Interpressnews reported that Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze from the Georgian Dream party had made remarks during an event marking the end of the Chinese Ambassador’s diplomatic mission.
“We particularly appreciate that China has consistently treated Georgia as an equal and respected partner”, he stated, noting that such an approach was “especially commendable” amid what he described as double standards in international relations.
On July 27, Zhou Qian made the remarks during a speech at an event marking the end of his diplomatic mission. He stated that China and Georgia remained partners united by shared visions, mutual trust and mutual respect.
On July 27, Interpressnews reported that Kobakhidze had made remarks marking the 99th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army of China: “Among the principles that unite our countries, peace and stability hold a special place. In this regard, China is a model country – a global, peaceful superpower committed to strengthening international cooperation and stability“.
- Infrastructure Development
On July 6, 1TV reported that, in response to a question about the participation of a Chinese company in the construction of the Anaklia port, the Chinese Ambassador had stated that China welcomed the decisions made by the Georgian government and respected the country’s choice. The Chinese side expressed hope that Chinese companies would actively participate in ongoing projects in Georgia and contribute to the country’s economic development.
Georgian Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Mariam Kvrivishvili from the Georgian Dream party noted that they had decided to build the Anaklia port under a “landlord” model, in which the state would reportedly retain ownership of the main maritime and port infrastructure.