Turkey's economic expectations from a rising China

Abstract

In comparison with the remarkable rapprochement between Turkey and Russia in the 2000s, the improvement of Turkey’s relations with China has been quite modest. Turkish-Chinese relations still have a long way to go despite the new momentum in the spheres of military cooperation and cultural exchange. At the same time, one should also take notice of the rapidly improving trade relations between the two countries. Despite the remarkable trade balance deficit that is working against Turkey, China has recently become one of Ankara’s most significant trade partners, with an overall trade volume of $26.3 billion in 2017. This picture clearly reveals the significance of economic concerns in Turkey’s renewed interest in strengthening its relations with China. Ankara is also quite enthusiastic in playing an active role in China’s Belt and Road project. Yet it is hard to claim that Turkish-Chinese relations are evolving into a strategic partnership. In addition to the significant trade imbalance which is currently working against the economic interests of Turkey, the two countries also have significant differences with regard to the Uyghur issue.