**Georgia’s Ruling Party Visits China, Deepening Ties Amid Anti-Western Shifts**
A delegation from Georgia’s ruling party, Georgian Dream, has visited China and met with top officials to strengthen ties between the two countries. The visit comes as Georgia’s government increasingly shifts its stance towards the West.
The delegation, led by Vice Speaker Giorgi Volski, includes lawmakers from various committees. They met with Chinese Communist Party leaders, education ministry officials, and technology companies.
**Georgia’s Strategic Importance**
According to Georgian Dream, Georgia is a key transit state in the Middle Corridor, a trade route connecting Europe and Asia. The country’s geostrategic location makes it crucial for international trade, with cargo turnover increasing by 30% since 2022.
Chinese officials see strengthening ties with Georgia as essential for developing an alternative trade mechanism to connect with European markets. This is particularly relevant in the context of limiting the function of northern transport corridors.
**Strengthening Interparty Mechanisms**
The key goals of the visit are to strengthen interparty mechanisms and develop a strategic partnership between China and Georgia in education, agriculture, and economic cooperation. The partnership reflects the socio-economic interests of the Georgian people and demonstrates the government’s willingness to play a connecting role between East and West.
**Deeper Analysis**
The visit is significant given the deepening ties between China and Georgia amidst increasingly anti-Western shifts by the ruling party. In 2023, the two countries established a strategic partnership, which has been strengthened further with this latest visit.
The US MEGOBARI Act aims to counter Chinese influence in Georgia and envisions broader sanctions against Georgian Dream officials. This development puts Georgia at a crossroads, as it navigates its relationships with key global powers.
**What’s Next?**
As the ruling party continues to shift its stance towards China, it remains to be seen how this will impact Georgia’s relations with the West. The US MEGOBARI Act and broader sanctions against Georgian Dream officials are likely to come into play soon.
**Also Read:**
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* TI Georgia: Chinese Company with ‘Questionable Reputation’ to Build Anaklia Port
* Minister of Economy Announces Sino-Singaporean Consortium Winner in Anaklia Port Selection Competition
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