China–Georgia relations

Last updated
China–Georgia
China Georgia Locator.png
Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg
China 		Flag of Georgia.svg
Georgia

Diplomatic relations between the People's Republic of China and Georgia were established on 9 June 1992. Since then, bilateral ties have advanced gradually and mostly focused on economic cooperation. China has an embassy in Tbilisi, and Georgia has an embassy in Beijing. By 2017, China had become Georgia's fourth largest trading partner and the second largest exporting market for Georgian wine. [1] China has been appreciative of Georgia's commitment to One-China policy and has in turn respected Georgia's territorial integrity by refusing to recognize the Russian-backed separatist regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Georgia, for its part, has been increasingly attractive for China as a transportation hub and one of the shortest routes for Chinese goods on their way to the European Union. [2]

Contents

History

The Yuan Shi , the official history of the Yuan dynasty of China, records the fate of Georgia in 1252. In that year, the Mongol khagan Möngke, who was expanding into China, granted the Kingdom of Georgia, which was then under Mongol control, to Berke. Chu'ü-erh-chih ( [tɕʰỳ ǎɚʈʂɻ̩ɨ̀] ; Chinese :曲兒只), the Chinese name used for Georgia in the Yuan Shi, is etymologically the same as "Georgia". [3] [4]

Political ties

The China–Georgia relations were officially established on 9 June 1992, when China extended its diplomatic recognition to the Republic of Georgia after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. [5] Eduard Shevardnadze, then Georgia's head of state, paid a state visit to China in June 1993 [6] and signed several agreements, principally on economic and trade cooperation. Mikheil Saakashvili, the then-President of Georgia, was in China on an official visit in April 2006. [7]

The two countries maintained communication and coordination at the United Nations and other international organizations. Georgia has maintained its "one-China policy" [8] and does not recognize Taiwan. In its turn, China, member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), refused to follow the suit of Russia, a fellow SCO member, in recognition of the independence of Georgia's breakaway Abkhazia and South Ossetia in the aftermath of the August 2008 Russo–Georgian War despite the appeal by the Russian Foreign Ministry. Instead, the SCO issued the Dushanbe Declaration, calling on all parties to solve the "existing problems" through diplomacy. [5] Similarly, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman expressed the agency's concern due to the "latest development in South Ossetia and Abkhazia", responding to a journalist's question regarding China's position on Russia's recognition of the disputed territories. [5] In the view of the political analyst Joseph Larsen, "while China does not present an alternative to NATO and EU integration... relations with China have the potential to complement Georgia's existing foreign policy." [9]

Economic relations

Bilateral economic ties have gradually expanded since 1992 and witnessed further growth beginning in 2010 as Georgia's economy recovered from the 2008 war. China views Georgia as part of the One Belt One Road Initiative, a project it launched in 2013 to "shorten the distance between China and Europe" through improved infrastructure connections. [9] [10] By 2014, China had accounted for $217.94 million in foreign direct investment in Georgia, putting it in fourth place after Azerbaijan, the Netherlands, and the United States. [5]

A number of Chinese companies have launched major operations in Georgia. China's Hualing Group, mainly focused on construction and management of hotels and trade centers, was Georgia's single largest foreign investor as of 2017. Some of the company's projects in Georgia include the Hualinge Hualing Free Industrial Zone [11] : 111  in Kutaisi, Georgia's second largest city. The Hualinge Hualing Free Industrial zone is an important hub for Chinese manufacturers to access the European market. [11] : 111  Hualing Group has also built a large residential and commercial complex in a suburb of the capital city of Tbilisi.

In January 2017, the CEFC China Energy agreed to purchase 75% of shares in the Free Industrial Zone at Poti on Georgia's Black Sea coastline. Georgia's main export product to China is wine, which amounted to 5,299,820 bottles in 2016, nearly double the amount exported in the previous year. [12] In addition to wine, other significant exports from Georgia to China include copper ore and copper products. [11] : 111  Significant Chinese exports to Georgia include mechanical products, electrical products, and steel. [11] : 111 

On 13 May 2017, China and Georgia signed a free trade agreement. [13]

In June 2023, Georgia passed a bill to allow Chinese citizens to travel to Georgia without a visa, further improving relations and diplomatic ties between two nations. Xi Jinping, the Chinese President met with the Georgian Prime Minister, Irakli Garibashvili, discussing improvements in economic ties and marking "new stage" in relations between the two countries. [14]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Foreign relations of Georgia</span> Overview of the foreign relations of Georgia

Georgia's location, nestled between the Black Sea, Russia, and Turkey, renders it strategically important. It is developing as the gateway from the Black Sea to the Caucasus and the larger Caspian region, but also serves as a buffer between Russia and Turkey. Georgia has a long and tumultuous relationship with Russia, but it is reaching out to its other neighbours and looking to the West in search of alternatives and opportunities. It signed a partnership and cooperation agreement with the European Union, participates in the Partnership for Peace, and encourages foreign investment. France, Germany, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States all have embassies in Tbilisi. Georgia in 2004-2008 sought to become a member of NATO, but did not succeed in the face of strong Russian opposition.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Georgia–Russia relations</span> Bilateral relations

Russia and Georgia have had relations for centuries. The contacts between the two date back to the 15th and 16th centuries, and the most important stage started in the 1580s, when the Georgian kingdom of Kakheti and the Russian Empire signed a treaty of alliance in 1587. Since then, Georgia–Russia relations have been developing vibrantly and culminated in the Treaty of Georgievsk, which established eastern Georgia as a protectorate of Russia. At that time, Georgia saw Russia as a powerful Christian and modernizing neighbor, capable of protecting Georgia from invading Muslim empires and North Caucasian raiders.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Georgia–Iran relations</span> Bilateral relations

Iran and Georgia have had relations for millennia, although official diplomatic relations between the two nations in the 20th century were established on May 15, 1992. Georgia is represented by its embassy in Tehran, while Iran has its representative embassy in Tbilisi.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Foreign relations of Abkhazia</span>

The Republic of Abkhazia is a partially recognized state in the South Caucasus which declared independence from Georgia during the War in Abkhazia (1992–1993). At the time, the Soviet Union had recently collapsed (1991).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Canada–Georgia relations</span> Bilateral relations

Canada–Georgia relations refers to the current and historical relations between Canada and Georgia. Both nations are members of the United Nations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Georgia–Japan relations</span> Bilateral relations

Georgian-Japanese relations were established on August 3, 1992, just over one year since Georgia became independent from the Soviet Union. Since November 2006, Georgia has maintained an embassy in Tokyo. Japan has an embassy in Tbilisi.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Abkhazia–Russia relations</span> Bilateral diplomatic relations

Abkhazia–Russia relations is the bilateral relationship between the Republic of Abkhazia and the Russian Federation. Russia recognised Abkhazia on 26 August 2008, following the August 2008 Russo-Georgian War. Abkhazia and Russia established diplomatic relations on 9 September 2008.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bulgaria–China relations</span> Bilateral relations

Bulgarian-Chinese relations are foreign relations between Bulgaria and China. Both countries established diplomatic relations on October 4, 1949. Bulgaria has an embassy in Beijing, China. China has an embassy in Sofia, Bulgaria.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">China–Romania relations</span> Bilateral relations

The Kingdom of Romania and Republic of China (ROC) began relations on July 5, 1939.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Georgia–India relations</span> Bilateral relations

Georgia and India maintain diplomatic relations. The Embassy of India in Yerevan, Armenia is concurrently accredited to Georgia. Georgia maintains an embassy in New Delhi.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Abkhazia–Venezuela relations</span> Bilateral relations

Abkhazia–Venezuela relations refers to bilateral relations between the breakaway Republic of Abkhazia and Venezuela. Venezuela recognised Abkhazia, along with South Ossetia, on 10 September 2009, almost ten years after the country declared independence from Georgia in 1999. Venezuela was the third state to recognise Abkhazia and South Ossetia, after Russia and Nicaragua.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Denmark–Georgia relations</span> Bilateral relations

Denmark–Georgia relations refers to the current and historical relations between Denmark and Georgia. Denmark is represented in Georgia, through its embassy in Tbilisi. Georgia has an embassy in Copenhagen. Denmark supports Georgia to become a member of the European Union and NATO. The current Georgian ambassador to Denmark is Gigi Gigiadze. Both nations are members of the Council of Europe.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Abkhazia–Vanuatu relations</span> Bilateral relations

Abkhazia and Vanuatu established relations when Vanuatu recognised Abkhazia's independence on 23 May 2011. On that day a joint statement on establishment of diplomatic relations was signed. However, the exact nature of the recognition was a matter of dispute and was not regularized until July 2013. However, over the years and part of domestic powerplay within Vanuatu's government, the recognition has swung back and forth. In 2019 Vanuatu's minister of Foreign Affairs "confirmed Vanuatu’s support of Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity" and effectively withdrew the recognition of Abkhazia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Georgia–Mexico relations</span> Bilateral relations

Georgia–Mexico relations are the international relations between Georgia and Mexico. Both nations are members of the United Nations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">China–Croatia relations</span> Bilateral relations

China and Croatia established diplomatic relations on May 13, 1992. Croatia has an embassy in Beijing and a general consulate in Hong Kong. China has an embassy and a Confucius Institute in Zagreb.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Azerbaijan–China relations</span> Bilateral relations

Diplomatic relations between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the People's Republic of China were established on April 2, 1992. The relations between the two countries have developed smoothly and high-level exchanges have been close. The PRC embassy in Baku openly commends Azerbaijan for supporting its stance on the political status of Taiwan, Tibet's sovereignty, the conflict in Xinjiang, and the suppression of Falun Gong. All political forces have actively advocated strengthening friendly cooperation with China. China was one of the first countries to recognize independence.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brazil–Georgia relations</span> Bilateral relations

Brazil–Georgia relations are the international relations between Brazil and Georgia. Both nations are members of the United Nations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Abkhazia–Tuvalu relations</span> Bilateral relations

Abkhazia–Tuvalu relations refers to bilateral relations between the Republic of Abkhazia and Tuvalu. Tuvalu recognized Abkhazia's independence on 18 September 2011. Tuvalu has since withdrawn its recognition on 31 May 2014 and has established diplomatic ties with Georgia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Georgia–Slovenia relations</span> Bilateral relations

Georgia–Slovenia relations are the bilateral relations between Georgia and Slovenia, two European nations with a communist past that established their bilateral ties in 1993. Their relations have been highly represented with a close diplomatic partnership, with Slovenia being one of the staunch supporters of Georgia's territorial integrity and pro-Western path. Both nations are members of the Council of Europe.

The China–Central Asia–West Asia Economic Corridor is an economic and transportation corridor of the Belt and Road Initiative, a global economic connectivity program led by China. The corridor was one of the 6 land corridors articulated in the initial vision for the BRI in 2015. It has since the 2nd Belt and Road Forum in 2019 become one of 35 corridors and project officially included in the BRI.

References

  1. ↑ "China-Georgia Friendship Celebrates the 25th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations". Georgia Today. 13 June 2017. Archived from the original on 27 November 2017. Retrieved 28 November 2017.
  2. ↑ Emil Avdaliani. The Middle Corridor and China’s reorientation of Eurasian trade, July 4, 2023
  3. ↑ Thomas T. Allsen, Culture and Conquest in Mongol Eurasia (Cambridge University Press, 2001), p. 54.
  4. ↑ Toqto'a, History of Yuan, scroll 3. "海都於海押立地，別兒哥於曲兒只地，脫脫於葉密立地"
  5. 1 2 3 4 Larsen, Joseph (October 2017). "Georgia-China Relations: the Geopolitics of the Belt And Road" (PDF). Tbilisi: Georgian Institute of Politics.{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  6. ↑ Mackerras, Colin (2001). The New Cambridge Handbook of Contemporary China. Cambridge University Press. p. 48. ISBN   0521786746.
  7. ↑ "Bilateral Relations between Georgia and the People's Republic of China". Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia. Archived from the original on 1 December 2017. Retrieved 28 November 2017.
  8. ↑ "China and Georgia". Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China. Retrieved 28 November 2017.
  9. 1 2 Larsen, Joseph (12 October 2017). "Commentary: Georgia-China relations are about more than economics". Civil Georgia. Retrieved 28 November 2017.
  10. ↑ "Georgian PM: "Today Georgia-China relations are stronger than ever"". Agenda.ge. 9 June 2017. Retrieved 28 November 2017.
  11. 1 2 3 4 Sahakyan, Mher (2023). "China and the South Caucasus in a Multipolar World Order 2.0". China and Eurasian Powers in a Multipolar World Order 2.0: Security, Diplomacy, Economy and Cyberspace. Mher Sahakyan. New York: Routledge. ISBN   978-1-003-35258-7. OCLC   1353290533.
  12. ↑ Larsen, Joseph (3 May 2017). "Georgia: The Black Sea Hub for China's 'Belt and Road'". The Diplomat. Retrieved 28 November 2017.
  13. ↑ "Georgia, China sign historic Free Trade Agreement". Agenda.ge. 28 November 2017. Retrieved 14 May 2017.
  14. ↑ "Georgian PM announces visa-free travel for Chinese citizens". Agenda.ge. Retrieved 2023-10-29.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.