Turkey Turns East
- By Ding Ying
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E-mail Beijing Review, April 19, 2012
Enhancing Sino-Turkish ties
Based on its strategy of turning to the East, Turkey pays more attention to emerging markets in the East, including China. Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's recent four-day visit to China reflected Turkey's shift. Improved bilateral political and economic ties will bring the two countries practical benefits as well as better mutual understanding, analysts said.
Erdogan's visit was the first one by a Turkish prime minister to China in 27 years. His trip followed Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping's visit to Ankara and Istanbul in February, which saw the signing of several deals on cooperation in agriculture, finance and banking. During the Turkish prime minister's visit from April 8-11, the two sides signed several agreements, including an agreement on nuclear energy cooperation and a declaration of intent for completing negotiations on promoting and protecting investment between the two countries, making business the highlight of this trip.
Liu pointed out that since China is an emerging power, maintaining a good relationship with China will deliver benefits to Turkey. Plus, China's stable and speedy economic growth is another factor attracting Turkey. Before arriving in China, Erdogan declared that Turkey is ready to pursue joint projects with Chinese companies in developing countries in Africa, Central Asia, the Middle East and the Balkans.
Trade between the two countries hit $18.7 billion in 2011, a year-on-year increase of 24 percent. But the balance of trade is heavily in China's favor. The two countries have set a timetable to increase their trade volume to $50 billion by 2015 and $100 billion by 2020.
"The two countries' economic structures are complementary to each other, which will bring both sides great opportunities," said Liu. Also, since China is conducting an economic transition, now is a good time for them to boost economic cooperation.
At a time when Europe and the United States are tortured by financial problems, Turkey has been attracted by China's strong and reliable economic record, Wang said.
The two experts agreed that maintaining a good relationship with China will help Erdogan and his AK Party gain more support at home.
During Erdogan's visit, the two sides also enhanced political understanding. Chinese President Hu Jintao said China is ready to deepen political trust with Turkey and respect and take care of mutual core concerns. Erdogan said Turkey is willing to increase high-level exchanges and strategic talks with China, stressing Turkey's adherence to the "one-China policy."
The bilateral relationship hit a low in 2009 when Erdogan criticized the Chinese Government for its Xinjiang policy. Erdogan began his visit with a stop at Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Major developments in Xinjiang impressed him and Turkey is ready to enhance exchanges and cooperation with the region, the Turkish prime minister said.
The two countries still have different stances on many issues. Liu pointed out that China hopes Turkey will show a clear and steady stance on opposing the East Turkistan Islamic Movement, which is targeted as a terrorist organization by China. The two sides also have different opinions on the Syrian issue. Wang agreed that cooperation between the two sides could be bumpy. "But anyway, they can benefit from working together," he said.
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