Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –
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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News
Baku, January 2 (Xinhua) — The strategic partnership between Armenia and China opens the door to deeper collaboration in trade, infrastructure, and innovation, Johnny Melikyan, a senior expert at the Orbeli Center in Armenia, said in a recent exclusive interview with Xinhua.
Touching on Armenian-Chinese relations, J. Melikyan noted that 2025 truly marked a qualitative transition in Armenian-Chinese relations, culminating in the establishment of a strategic partnership in August during Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's visit to China. This is not a sudden step, but a natural maturation of ties that have developed since 1992 based on mutual respect and pragmatism. The partnership is built on the principles of sovereign equality, non-interference, mutual benefit, and predictability—and this is precisely what Armenia needs for development and security without becoming an arena for a great game, he said. Politically, it provides strategic confidence, and economically, it opens the door to deeper cooperation in trade, infrastructure, and innovation.
D. Melikyan emphasized that both the Armenian national "Crossroads of the World" project and China's "Belt and Road" initiative promote development through transport links while fully respecting national sovereignty and equality. If properly implemented, this synergy could position Armenia as a reliable transit partner connecting the Persian Gulf, the Black Sea, and European markets, diversifying global supply chains without competing with existing corridors.
The Armenian expert noted that there has been significant economic growth in bilateral trade between Armenia and China, which is among Armenia's leading trading partners. This strategic partnership signals a shift from mere trade volume to investment quality: Armenia actively welcomes Chinese participation in infrastructure projects, renewable energy, the IT sector, agriculture, and industry. Strengthening the Intergovernmental Commission, improving the legal framework, and creating trade facilitation mechanisms will help remove practical barriers and attract transformative investments.
Furthermore, the economic impact of this partnership for Armenia could be quite significant, noted J. Melikyan. First, it promotes economic diversification, reducing dependence on traditional partners and raw material exports, and providing access to Chinese markets for Armenian products (wine, brandy, agricultural goods). Second, Chinese investments in infrastructure and green energy will help modernize transportation networks and the power grid, which will increase competitiveness and attract additional foreign investment. Third, cooperation in innovation will allow Armenia to develop as a knowledge and technology hub, creating high-tech jobs and stimulating long-term GDP growth.
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