China and Armenia formalize strategic partnership through a signed agreement

The Armenian Prime Minister, Nikol Pashinyan, has announced that the Belt and Road Initiative could be linked to the 'Crossroads of Peace' initiative, a counterproposal to Azerbaijan's 'Zangezur corridor'. This significant development comes after Armenia signed a strategic partnership agreement with the People's Republic of China in August 2025.

The 'Crossroads of Peace' initiative is an Armenian proposal aimed at unblocking transit links through its own territory for neighbouring countries. China has expressed its support for this initiative, further strengthening the strategic partnership between the two nations.

The strategic partnership was announced during a Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit. Both Armenia and China have agreed to work together on projects under the 'Crossroads of Peace initiative' and China's Belt and Road Initiative. The parties have expressed readiness to increase mutual investments and cooperation in industry, information, telecommunications, and energy.

However, no specific details about the strategic partnership agreement have been disclosed. What is clear is that Armenia and China have vowed to refrain from actions that would 'harm the sovereignty, security, and development interests of the other side', as stated in the joint statement published by Armenpress.

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It's worth noting that Armenia is the last country in the South Caucasus to sign a strategic partnership with China, following Georgia in 2023 and Azerbaijan in 2025. Both Armenia and Azerbaijan have agreed to restore transit links through the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP), mediated by the US.

In turn, China has expressed support for Armenia's political independence and sovereignty. The Armenian side has opposed any form of Taiwanese independence. The parties have also vowed to cooperate within the United Nations, support each other regionally and internationally, and to promote an equal and orderly multipolar world.

This strategic partnership is a significant step forward for both Armenia and China, and it remains to be seen how it will shape the future of the region. As the 'Crossroads of Peace' initiative continues to gain momentum, it is hoped that it will bring peace, prosperity, and increased cooperation to the Caucasus region.