ColumnsTashjian's Take
A reflection on the “Modern China and Eurasia” conference held in Yerevan
From December 8-9, 2023, the Yerevan-based “China-Eurasian Council for Political and Strategic Research” (CECPSR) foundation headed by Dr. Mher Sahakyan organized its fifth “Eurasian Research on Modern China and Eurasian Conference” with the participation of more than 50 scholars and experts from 18 countries. The presence of ambassadors, diplomats and high officials was greatly noticeable. Opening remarks were made by Dr. Narek Mkrtchyan, Armenia’s Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, and China’s Ambassador to Armenia H.E. Yong Fan, in which both sides stressed cooperation between the countries and showed willingness to further deepen cultural, educational and economic ties.
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“Thus, the Turkish and Azerbaijani-backed “Middle Corridor” connecting Central Asia to the South Caucasus to Turkey and Europe is left as the only operational route bridging China to Europe.” This is not entirely correct. Shipping is another option for China to get to Europe via the Panama canal. Maybe it is more expensive but still doable. Having said that, I agree that Armenia should makes efforts to become part of the East-West and North South transportation routes without compromising its national territorial integrity. My concern is that the Pashinyan government sees the opening of transportation routes as the ticket to security, as a substitute for very strong defense forces. He may “sell” Syunik as a panacea for peace. Instead I would argue that strong defense forces guarantee the safety of transportation routes on Armenian territory.