Georgia was the poster child of post-Soviet countries on their way to democracy and freedom. US lawmakers hope a bill will help combat democratic backsliding.

The summit highlights Tehran's growing relationship with Beijing — and Moscow — following its recent conflict with Israel, which was joined by the United States in attacking Iranian nuclear sites. China's support provides Iran with crucial economic and military backing that stands to weaken U.S.-led sanctions and containment efforts.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi seized the opportunity at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in China to denounce Israeli and US attacks on Iran, rally diplomatic support against sanctions and warn of regional instability should the fragile ceasefire collapse.

Some U.S. officials talked about an “axis” of authoritarian nations, but the American and Israeli war with Iran has exposed the limits of that idea.