Georgian PM defends China partnership, claims strategic ties do not conflict with EU integration

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has rejected criticism of Georgia's strategic partnership with China, arguing that similar agreements exist between China and several member states of the European Union.

Speaking in Parliament on Friday, Kobakhidze said it was unreasonable to suggest that strategic cooperation with China is incompatible with Georgia's European integration aspirations.

“Germany, Denmark, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Hungary and Greece all have strategic partnership agreements with China. Does anyone claim that such partnerships contradict their European integration objectives? Such statements are laughable,” he said.

The prime minister stressed that Georgia attaches special importance to relations with China and described Beijing as a respectful and reliable partner.

“Despite the enormous differences between China and Georgia in terms of territory, population and economic size, China treats all countries, including Georgia, as equals,” Kobakhidze said. “This reflects the dignity of the Chinese state, and I wish all countries would act in such a respectful manner toward states like ours.”

Kobakhidze also praised China's international record, arguing that the country has maintained a peaceful foreign policy over recent decades.

“When China is discussed in a negative context, including from a values perspective, we often hear such messages. Looking at the past half-century, China is the only global superpower that can be described as peaceful,” he stated.

The prime minister claimed that China has not participated in a war since 1979 and said this aspect of China's international conduct represents an important value that brings Georgia and China closer together.

“Based on the experience of the last fifty years, China is the world's only peaceful superpower. This is a very important value issue that naturally brings us closer to the People's Republic of China,” Kobakhidze said.