Political and Practical Aspects of International Cooperation between China and the South Caucasus in the Field of Renewable Energy (2012–2025)

This paper examines the political and legal framework and practices of interaction between China and the South Caucasus states (Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia) in the field of renewable energy sources (RES) for the period 2012–2025. Within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, China is actively developing international cooperation, strengthening ties with the countries of the South Caucasus - Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia. These countries also face similar challenges in the energy sector, which requires a transition to energy consumption based on the expansion of the use of renewable energy sources. The study examines the evolution of the political and legal frameworks of China and the South Caucasus countries in the renewable energy sector, including national strategies, national legislation, as well as five-year, medium- and long-term plans for energy development, and outlines practical projects for cooperation between China and the countries of the South Caucasus. Systematizing China's documents in the field of renewable energy, the author concludes that within the framework of the renewable energy development policy, the legal framework was gradually improved in accordance with national strategic guidelines, which led to the formation of the "1+N" political structure. On the basis of this framework, action plans aimed at ensuring the implementation of the policy have been consistently implemented. Within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, China's bilateral relations with the countries of the South Caucasus are strengthening, and their cooperation in the field of renewable energy demonstrates a differentiated approach due to the country's national specifics. Cooperation between China and Armenia is aimed at the implementation of representative projects with a technological demonstration effect, in which the success of an individual project becomes an incentive for further cooperation. Cooperation between China and Azerbaijan in the field of renewable energy is characterized by the greatest systematic, based on the implementation of large-scale wind and solar projects, as well as on the localization of the production of electric vehicles. Georgia and China are focused on hydropower projects, while Georgia, using its geographical location in the Trans-Caspian International Transport Corridor, is strengthening cooperation in the field of renewable energy sources.