“Anti-Chinese campaigns” aimed to “harm our state interests” - Georgian PM

Domestic “anti-Chinese campaigns” aimed to “harm our state interests”, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze claimed on Thursday in comments on the strategic partnership between the two countries, which he said was “of great importance for the realisation of state interests” of Georgia.

Kobakhidze was asked about comments criticising the recent expansion of the ties between the two states by Tina Khidasheli, founder of the non-governmental organisation Civic Idea and former Georgian Defence Minister, and Marcin Przychodniak, an analyst at Asia-Pacific Programme at the Polish Institute of International Affairs, which were published by Netgazeti on Wednesday.

When specific forces with dubious funding are conducting an anti-Chinese campaign under such circumstances, of course, this is also worrying. Therefore, it is very important that everyone has a proper position on all the acts that are directed against the interests of the state. Any such anti-state action is very worrying," Kobakhidze alleged in response.

The PM also stressed the importance of the strategic partnership deal with China, signed by the two governments last year to expand cooperation in politics, economy and culture, and strengthen collaboration in international affairs and bilateral relations.