ArmInfo.From December 13-16, 2018, leading scholars of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences visited Yerevan at the special invitation of the "Council of Political and Strategic Studies of China and Eurasia"Foundation.
During the visit, an academic seminar "China, Eurasia and Armenia: A View from Yerevan and Beijing " was organized. Political Science Doctors Xiao Bin, Bao Yi, and Wu Hunnwei, from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, presented their research. They noted that the Armenian-Chinese relations need serious study. It was noted that the "One Belt, One Road" initiative provides many opportunities for the development of economic relations, but Chinese investments in Armenia are still very small, even if compared with other countries of the South Caucasus.
Professor Wu Hunnwei stressed that the Chinese-Georgian relations are developing dynamically, and the Chinese side is making huge investments there. He expressed hope that thanks to the information received during the visit, contacts with Armenian specialists will be developed, so that it will be possible to develop economic relations with Armenia. Dr. Bao Yi spoke about the humanitarian cooperation of China with the countries of Central Asia and noted that this successful experience can also be used in the South Caucasus. Dr. Xiao Bin talked about China's investment policy and how other countries can get Chinese investment.
Head of ARMACAD, Doctor Khachik Gevorgyan presented ARMACAD, speaking about the opportunities and digital tools provided by the organizations with which the Armenian and Chinese scientists can develop cooperation in the field of science. The initiator of the scientific discussion, the head of the "China-Eurasia" Council for Political and Strategic Research Foundation, Mher Sahakyan, spoke about the prospects for the development of Armenian- Chinese relations in the framework of the initiative of China "One belt, One Road". He noted that it is possible to deepen relations with the Chinese side in the economic and financial sectors, for which it is necessary to ensure the conversion of the currencies of the two countries, negotiations may be launched on the establishment of a joint Armenian-Chinese bank in Armenia or any branch of a leading Chinese bank. He noted that Armenia will be able to connect its transport infrastructures with the transport corridors of "One Belt, One Road" only if the North-South road corridor is built, for which funds of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank could be attracted. To do this, of course, Armenia must also become a full- fledged regional member of the bank. He also noted that Armenia and China are interested in participating in UN peacekeeping missions, which also makes it possible to cooperate in this field. Mher Sahakyan also spoke about the possibility of creating an Armenian-Chinese joint military-industrial center in Armenia, in which it will be possible to produce robotics, autonomous weapons, unmanned aerial vehicles and so on. He also noted that it is advisable to make a proposal to the Chinese Cyberspace Office on Armenia's participation in the implementation of the Digital Silk Road and the Silk Road in Cyberspace initiatives, as well as a proposal to find common ground in cooperation between the "Internet Plus" of China and digital transformation strategy of Armenia. It is also advisable that Armenia and China adopt a joint declaration on the development of the 5G mobile network, according to which both parties would promote research in this area. The parties agreed to strengthen cooperation between the Armenian Foundation " China-Eurasia " Council of Political and Strategic Research and the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, to conduct joint research and make proposals for the development of Armenian-Chinese relations.