PM Kobakhidze accuses critics of applying double standards over Georgia's ties with China

Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has accused some Western politicians and institutions of applying double standards in their criticism of Georgia's growing relationship with China.

Speaking at a briefing in the government administration, Kobakhidze said critics who object to Georgia's cooperation with Beijing often ignore the fact that “both the United States and the European Union maintain and seek to expand their own relations with China.”

"You know that double standards are a completely ordinary phenomenon for those who criticise Georgia for various steps and decisions. The same applies to China," Kobakhidze said.

The prime minister argued that the position of some American politicians was contradictory, noting that the US president has publicly spoken about the importance of deepening relations with China while members of the same political party criticise Georgia for pursuing closer ties with Beijing.

Kobakhidze said the US president had visited China, met Chinese President Xi Jinping and highlighted the importance of strengthening bilateral relations.

"At the same time, members of his party come out and criticise Georgia for deepening its relations with the People's Republic of China. This is a simple example of double standards," he said.

The prime minister also directed similar criticism at the European Union, arguing that European officials frequently stress the importance of maintaining engagement with China while questioning Georgia's efforts to expand its own cooperation with Beijing.