Chinese Ambassador: China has never interfered in Georgia’s internal affairs - China-Georgia relations rooted in mutual respect and win-win cooperation

Zhou Qian, the Chinese Ambassador to Georgia, on Saturday said that Beijing has never interfered in Georgia’s domestic politics, nor pressured the country to choose between global partners, emphasising that China-Georgia relations are based on mutual respect, trust, and mutually beneficial cooperation.

In his interview with Imedi TV, Zhou explained that the partnership between China and Georgia was built on mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as each other’s social systems and development models.

“Mutual respect and mutual trust mean respecting each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as each other's social systems, development models, and cooperative relations with other countries and international organisations. Mutually beneficial cooperation means that China and Georgia are focused on achieving practical results, and regard cooperation between them as a means of promoting each other's development, national rejuvenation, and the well-being of the peoples of both countries”, he said.

The Ambassador stressed that both countries, as ancient civilisations, value tolerance and understanding.

“Both China and Georgia are ancient civilisations with long histories. Compared to some Western countries, both nations have a deeper understanding of the importance of mutual understanding and tolerance among countries. As Shota Rustaveli said, ‘He who does not seek friendship is an enemy to himself’”, Zhou noted.

He affirmed that deepening ties with China fully aligns with Georgia’s strategic goal of becoming an important Eurasian logistics hub, and that Georgia should maintain active relations with both Eastern and Western partners.

“Today, Georgia is striving to become an important Eurasian connectivity hub. Maintaining friendly relations with both Eastern and Western countries is essential for its future development, and deepening relations with China is fully consistent with Georgia's strategic objectives. For example, Georgia has free trade agreements with both China and the European Union. To fully capitalise on this advantage and fulfil its role as a hub on the Eurasian trade route, Georgia should maintain active exchanges with both China and the European Union”, he said.

Zhou further stressed that China’s approach to Georgia has never been exclusive and that over more than three decades of diplomatic relations, Beijing has consistently respected Georgia’s sovereignty and independent foreign policy choices.

“China’s development of relations with Georgia has never been exclusive. During the 34 years since diplomatic relations were established, China has never interfered in Georgia's internal affairs, has never attempted to lecture Georgia on issues such as democracy and human rights, and has never asked Georgia to choose between China and Europe or between China and the United States. Among the world's major powers, China has consistently been the strongest advocate of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other countries and refraining from interference in their internal affairs. The fundamental reason for this is that China has never sought to become a global hegemonic power; this is rooted in the fundamental nature of Chinese civilization”, Zhou stressed.

The Ambassador contrasted China’s approach with that of some other powers, underscoring that China brings opportunities and stability rather than challenges or unpredictability.

“We have always regarded developing countries, including Georgia, as the foundation of our foreign relations. China brings opportunities to the world, not challenges; certainty, not unpredictability. We welcome Georgia's efforts to actively develop relations with China and achieve its own strategic goals - maintaining peace and advancing development”, he concluded.