China's Han Zheng Visits Georgia to Expand Economic and Infra Ties

Chinese Vice President Han Zheng concluded a three-day visit to Georgia on November 8, meeting with Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and President Mikheil Kavelashvili in Tbilisi, the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) reported.

The visit marks the highest-ranking Chinese official ever to visit Georgia. It highlights Tbilisi’s drive to expand economic and infrastructure ties with Beijing despite sharp objections from Washington.

During the meetings, Kobakhidze called China “the only peaceful superpower” and proclaimed a “special bond” between the two nations, according to FDD. He also voiced interest in deeper cooperation with Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative, positioning Georgia as a trade bridge between Europe and Asia.

Chinese Vice President Han Zheng Arrives in Georgia for Official Visit — Pulse TV

Han pledged to oppose foreign interference in Georgia’s internal affairs and praised Tbilisi for adhering to Beijing’s one-China principle regarding Taiwan. In return, Georgian leaders promised favorable conditions for Chinese firms.

Bilateral trade between the two nations is up 41 percent year over year, while Chinese investment totaled $236 million in the first half of 2026, Georgian Economy Minister Mariam Kvrivishvili said.

Chinese Vice President Pays Official Visit to Georgia — CCTV Video News Agency

Tbilisi recently walked away from a lucrative port deal at Anaklia with a Chinese-led consortium due to U.S. pressure. The proposed Black Sea port could offer the West a route to Central Asian critical minerals that bypasses Russia and Iran.

Despite dropping the Chinese consortium for the core development, the Georgian government still welcomes Chinese investment under a new arrangement where the state retains infrastructure ownership. Kvrivishvili and Deputy Economy Minister Tamar Ioseliani have held subsequent talks with Chinese executives regarding port operations, railway modernization, and the Middle Corridor.

Chinese Vice President visits Georgia to promote bilateral relations — CGTN Español

Central Bank Governor Natia Turnava has outlined plans to increase the yuan’s share of Georgia’s currency reserves from 5 percent to roughly 15 percent.

These moves come as Tbilisi attempts to restore a strategic partnership with Washington that was suspended in November 2024. In June, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that improving bilateral relations would require changes in Tbilisi’s behavior and trajectory.

The U.S. House of Representatives also passed legislation in June seeking an assessment of Chinese and Russian intelligence activities in Georgia. Washington has already sanctioned Georgian Dream founder Bidzina Ivanishvili and local security officials.

Kobakhidze reiterated on October 30 that Tbilisi wants to restore ties with the United States while simultaneously promising Chinese companies conditions for expansion.

FDD research analyst Keti Korkiya argues that Washington and its European allies should expand targeted sanctions against Georgian Dream officials and business figures involved in repression and geopolitical realignment.