Shalva Papuashvili: China has never displayed the kind of attitude we see from Brussels—the relationship between China and Georgia is exemplary

Despite differences in geographical size, economic scale, and political influence, China has never shown the kind of attitude we see from Brussels; the relationship between China and Georgia is exemplary, the Speaker of the Parliament, Shalva Papuashvili, told journalists in Prague.

He added that the relationship between China and Georgia is founded on the principles of equality and partnership—unlike the approach from Brussels, "which attempts to impose various political decisions upon us through an arrogant, patronizing tone, and by portraying Georgia and the Georgian people in a diminished light."

"The first-ever visit by a Chinese Vice President to Georgia serves as proof that Georgia is moving forward and growing stronger. This is a direct result of the policies pursued by 'Georgian Dream' and our government—enabling Georgia to secure a strong position both within the region and in its relations with global partners. In this regard, this serves as clear proof of the success of our policy. Furthermore, it demonstrates China’s unique approach to partnership with other nations. We observe that—regardless of disparities in geographical size, economic scale, or political influence—China has never adopted the kind of attitude we frequently encounter from Brussels. We see a relationship built on the principles of equality and partnership; in contrast, Brussels often attempts to impose various political decisions upon us—doing so with an air of condescension and moralizing, while portraying Georgia and the Georgian people as inferior, as if we were somehow 'lesser' than others. In our engagement with China, however, we see political cooperation that is fundamentally rooted in the principles of equality and mutual respect," stated Papuashvili.