The Belt and Road Initiative and the opportunities and challenges of developing Sino-Turkish relations

Year 2019, Volume: 2 Issue: 3, 69 - 88, 30.06.2019

Emrah Yıldırımçakar

Abstract

The Belt and Road Initiative(BRI)is a concept of revitalization of the ancient ‘Silk Road’, it has large economic and infrastructure dimension both based on land and see transportation. BRIis necessary for Chinatomaintain its economic growth and it also creates important opportunities both for Turkey and other related countries. Turkey is one of the most important countries on the land belt, not just for its geo-strategical position, but also for its important role in the Middle East and Central Asia politics. This article researches the developing relations between Turkey and China, the potential of strategic cooperation of the BRI and opportunities and challenges of Sino-Turkish relations. In recent years, Sino-Turkish relations have gained a great momentum. Turkey became a dialog member of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)and a founder member of Asian Infrastructure Bank (AIIB). China and Turkey have closer strategic and economic targets, they need mutual cooperation both strategically and economically. on the other hand, both sides have some challenges for a full-fledgedcooperation. While, bilateral and multilateral relations of China and Turkey are essential for their short and long term interests.

Keywords

Turkey, China, BRI, Economic Cooperation

THE BELT AND ROAD INITIATIVE AND THE OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES OF DEVELOPING SINO-TURKISH RELATIONS

Abstract

The Belt and Road Initiative(BRI)is a concept of revitalization of the ancient ‘Silk Road’, it has large economic and infrastructure dimension both based on land and see transportation. BRIis necessary for Chinatomaintain its economic growth and it also creates important opportunities both for Turkey and other related countries. Turkey is one of the most important countries on the land belt, not just for its geo-strategical position, but also for its important role in the Middle East and Central Asia politics. This article researches the developing relations between Turkey and China, the potential of strategic cooperation of the BRI and opportunities and challenges of Sino-Turkish relations. In recent years, Sino-Turkish relations have gained a great momentum. Turkey became a dialog member of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)and a founder member of Asian Infrastructure Bank (AIIB). China and Turkey have closer strategic and economic targets, they need mutual cooperation both strategically and economically. on the other hand, both sides have some challenges for a full-fledgedcooperation. While, bilateral and multilateral relations of China and Turkey are essential for their short and long term interests.

Keywords

Turkey, China, BRI, Economic Cooperation

References

• Prof. Dr. Zhaoying Han