China’s Presence, Activities and Influence in the South Caucasus
Political Activities
The Chinese Communist Party continued to develop inter-party relations with Azerbaijan’s ruling New Azerbaijan party. A delegation of the New Azerbaijan party was invited to pay a visit to China, where it was hosted by the head of the Eurasian Department of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party Xu Qinxian on 11 September, and took part in the opening ceremony and plenary session of the “China in Sight, Global Insight” Forum 2025 on 12 September.
On 15 September, the vice-chairwoman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference Su Hui held a meeting with the speaker of Azerbaijan’s Milli Majlis Sahiba Gafarova, discussing with her “the role of regular contacts established between the New Azerbaijan party and the Chinese Communist Party in the development of bilateral political relations,” as well as “the importance of joint cooperation in the development of the Middle Corridor”.
Diplomatic Messaging
During an event at the Armenian embassy in China on 22 September, Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Liu Bin made a speech, saying that “China was ready to work with Armenia to jointly implement the Xi Jinping-initiated Global Governance Initiative and promote the ‘’building of a community with a shared future for mankind.’”
*
Chinese Ambassador to Georgia Zhou Qian spoke at an event held at the Tbilisi State University on 25 September, saying that “President Xi Jinping’s Global Governance Initiative contributes China’s wisdom and proposals to strengthening and improving global governance.”
On 30 September, Zhou Qian published an article in the Interpressnews media outlet, with the title: “Global Governance Initiative – creating a fairer and more reasonable global governance system.” Ambassador praised the Georgian government, since it had “unequivocally expressed its support for President Xi Jinping’s initiatives on global development, security and civilization.”
Economic Involvement and Connections
Chinese media outlet Global Times reported on 22 September that China and Georgia had substantially concluded the negotiations to upgrade the Free Trade Agreement between the two countries.
*
On 9 September, Chinese high-tech company Sichuan Sunsync Photovoltaic Technology Co., Ltd. and Azerbaijan’s Alat Free Economic Zone signed an investment agreement to establish a solar panel manufacturing facility in the Alat Free Economic Zone.
*
On 15 September, Georgian prime minister Irakli Kobakhidze stated that “there were six main issues in the negotiations with the Chinese CCCC regarding the Anaklia port that need to be clarified,” that “negotiations were progressing successfully,” and that the final contract would be “signed immediately” as soon as an agreement was reached.
Technological Influence
Intelligence Online reported on 15 September that Azerbaijan was looking to develop its drone industry and “equip itself on a massive scale” with drones through deals with China.
Stances and Activities by Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia Benefiting China’s Foreign Policy
Support for the Belt and Road Initiative
In a letter to the Chinese leader Xi Jinping sent on 29 September, President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, praised the successful implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative and the growth in shipments via “its important component, the Middle Corridor.”
*
On 29 September, Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Kobakhidze, “expressed commitment to enhancing connectivity and collaboration within the Belt and Road framework, noting that the BRI, together with the Middle Corridor, ‘offers exceptional opportunities’ to deepen the partnership and ‘reinforce the strong ties’ between the two nations.” Kobakhidze also said that currently China was an “example to all civilized countries as a state focused on progress, modernization and development, and strengthening global peace.”
Other Support for China and its Policies
Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan made a speech while taking part in the SCO+ format meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Tianjin, China on 1 September. Pashinyan praised Xi Jinping’s Global Governance Initiative, and expressed support for it on Armenia’s behalf.
On 22 September, Ambassador of Armenia to China Vahe Gevorgyan said that Armenia “highly appreciated the Global Governance Initiative” and supported international cooperation on the basis of it.
*
On 3 September, the Mayor of Tbilisi, Georgia, Kakha Kaladze, stressed that strategic ties with China were very important for Georgia, while simultaneously criticizing the US Helsinki Commission. On 10 September, Kaladze reiterated that “for Georgia, strategic partnership and economic cooperation with China is very important.”