Georgian Parliament official: virtually every major global power seeking to deepen relations with China

Rati Ionatamishvili, the Chair of the Human Rights and Civil Integration Committee of the Georgian Parliament, on Friday said that strengthening relations with China was a global trend, arguing that major international actors, including the United States, were actively pursuing deeper economic cooperation with Beijing.

In his interview with Imedi TV, Ionatamishvili addressed questions about whether the growing partnership between Georgia and China could create tensions in Georgia’s relations with the United States.

“We are currently in the United States within the framework of the United Nations. We attended the General Assembly session, which concluded yesterday and was dedicated to the rights of persons with disabilities. The fact is that virtually every major country that plays a significant role in international politics is seeking to deepen its relations with China”, he said.

The official argued that economic partnerships contribute to prosperity, stability, and stronger security guarantees, noting that many countries and local authorities actively encourage Chinese investment and business interests.

“Even here, where I am now, if you look at the trends year by year, Chinese investments are increasing, and local authorities are also interested in seeing Chinese interests expand. There are numerous examples of this because economic cooperation brings shared prosperity, stability, and, most importantly, stronger security guarantees for everyone”, Ionatamishvili noted.

Ionatamishvili also criticised comments made by US Congressman Joe Wilson regarding Georgia’s relations with China.

“When Mr. Wilson comes forward with such caricature-like statements - and considering that he is a person with a highly questionable reputation in the United States - hardly anyone here knows who he is. It appears that only Georgia’s radical opposition and their affiliated television channels are actively promoting him. Otherwise, he is a very obscure and insignificant politician here”, he stressed.

Ionatamishvili added that the Georgian government’s priority was to ensure the country’s development in accordance with its economic potential and national interests.