On June 21, 2024, the Chinese Embassy in Georgia criticized a statement made by Robin Dunnigan, the United States Ambassador to Georgia, regarding the involvement of a Chinese company in the construction of the Anaklia port project. The Embassy described the remark as 'unprofessional' and stated that it was inconsistent with the facts [b32bb600].
The Chinese Embassy also claimed that the statement by the US Ambassador was 'running counter' to the San Francisco vision established between Presidents Xi Jinping and Joe Biden. The Embassy emphasized the importance of maintaining positive relations between China and Georgia [b32bb600].
The Anaklia port project aims to enhance Georgia's role as a logistics and energy link between Central Asia and Europe. The Chinese company, China Communications Construction Company, was awarded the contract for the project through a tender process. Georgian Economy Minister Levan Davitashvili had previously announced that the Chinese company would be the Georgian Government's private partner for the project. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze defended Georgia's economic relations with China, dismissing criticism of the deepening ties as a 'double standard' [b32bb600].
The Chinese Embassy's response to the US Ambassador's comments adds another layer to the ongoing controversy surrounding the Anaklia port project and highlights the complex dynamics between various international actors involved in Georgia's economic development [b32bb600].