South Caucasus and China’s Global Project “One Belt, One Road"

Abstract

China's political and economic interests in the South Caucasus region are evolving steadily. Desire to increase its global role is clearly visible in the “Belt and Road Initiative”. The main message of this initiative is that China is not only developing peacefully, but it also share results of its development with others. One of the main goals of China's foreign policy is transformation from a "big" state (great economic and military capabilities) to a "strong" state. In the 21st century, the "One Belt, One Road" (BRI) project is considered part of the Chinese government's global dominance strategy.

The expectations of the countries of the South Caucasus region (Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan) are from this project. Political cooperation, increased investments, trade and expansion of cooperation with European and Asian countries in various fields.

China's rapid economic development, large capital, technology and huge domestic market are good for the economic development of all three South Caucasus countries. At the same time, China does not interfere in the domestic affairs of other countries. All this may balance the influence of other countries on all three countries of the South Caucasus region.