Murat Ülker: Turkey and China Deepen Economic and Strategic Partnership

Murat Ülker reviewed the 55th Anniversary Forum of Turkey-China Diplomatic Relations, highlighting that cooperation between the two countries offers new opportunities in trade, investment, and logistics.

Scraper SystemJune 07, 2026, 02:20 PM

Murat Ülker: Turkey and China Deepen Economic and Strategic Partnership

In his latest article, Murat Ülker discussed the 55th Anniversary International Forum of Turkey–China Diplomatic Relations. Ülker emphasized the growing importance of economic and strategic ties between Turkey and China. He noted that cooperation between the two countries presents new opportunities in trade, investment, and logistics. In his first article, he examined China from an economic perspective.

He approached the second article from a different angle, drawing on printed sources and insights gained from meetings he attended. The second piece focused more on abstract topics: Today, China is positioned not only as a manufacturing power but also as one of the founding actors of a multipolar world.

The reflections of this approach in Turkey were clearly visible in the speeches at the 55th Anniversary International Forum of Turkey–China Diplomatic Relations held on May 13, which he also partially attended.

The common theme throughout the forum was the desire to redefine Turkey-China relations not only in terms of trade volume but also through logistics integration, academic collaborations, energy, aviation, artificial intelligence, cultural diplomacy, and the pursuit of a multipolar world.

Particularly notable was the assessment of the Belt and Road Initiative and Turkey’s Middle Corridor strategy as two complementary major geopolitical routes. Chinese and Turkish speakers argued that amid the transformation of the Western-centered global order, Turkey and China could establish a more independent and multilateral relationship based on the perspective of "being a civilization-building state."

The forum also highlighted that Chinese investments are creating new economic corridors extending to Europe through the Balkans, Greece, Serbia, and Hungary; Turkey, due to its production capacity, logistical advantages, and geopolitical position, could serve as a strategic hub within this new network.

Another striking point in the discussions was the assessment that the biggest obstacles to relations are not economic but rather mutual prejudices, academic dependency, and political distrust. Therefore, many speakers emphasized the strategic importance of enhancing people-to-people contacts, university partnerships, and long-term institutional mechanisms.

Today, we see China positioned not only as a manufacturing power but also as one of the founding actors of a multipolar world. The reflections of this approach in Turkey were clearly visible in the speeches at the 55th Anniversary International Forum of Turkey–China Diplomatic Relations held on May 13, which he also partially attended.

I congratulate my esteemed school friend Adnan Akfırat, President of the China Business Development and Friendship Association—nicknamed "Mao" among us—for his efforts and the recent organization. I am confident that these efforts will elevate relations between the two countries to higher and desired levels, benefiting both Turkey and China.

Notes from the meeting: When Turkey’s geopolitical position and logistical advantages combine with China’s technological strength and production capacity, a new value chain emerges not only in our region but globally. Nearby, two major armed conflicts continue in Ukraine and Iran.

Turkey will emerge stronger from this crisis with its extraordinary production power and a smart, patient state strategy that leverages international conditions in its favor. The power to remedy our challenges lies in China. Likewise, Turkey is a remedy for China’s challenges. We will build strong, deep, lasting partnerships nourished by friendship and cultural exchange that overcome problems and benefit both countries.

Bekir Okan, Founder and Honorary President of Istanbul Okan University: Today, universities play a strategic role in developing international relations. Strengthening educational cooperation between Turkey and China is crucial for scientific production, economic collaboration, and cultural diplomacy.

In the coming period, academic collaborations between Turkey and China are expected to grow further in areas such as digitalization, artificial intelligence, engineering, and sustainability. Istanbul Okan University continues to play an active role in this process and strengthen international academic partnerships. Prof. Dr.

Guo Changgang, Head of the Institute of Global Studies at Shanghai University: I believe Turkey and China share similar historical experiences, which fosters mutual understanding and a shared perspective. Today, the two countries have strong common interests in peace, development, justice, and multilateralism.

The alignment between the Belt and Road Initiative and Turkey’s Middle Corridor plan has led to productive collaborations in many fields. On the 55th anniversary of our diplomatic relations, I believe we should further enhance trust and advance our cooperation. I also believe academic circles and people-to-people contacts play a vital role in strengthening these relations.

The forum lasted two days; the first day focused more on geopolitical, diplomatic, and strategic frameworks, while the second day addressed economic cooperation, investment, technology, logistics, scientific development, and business-related topics.

The second day’s agenda covered the current status of Chinese investments in Turkey, the pursuit of high value-added investments, logistics and the Middle Corridor, technology and R&D cooperation, tourism, cultural interaction, and scientific collaboration.

The main approach highlighted throughout the forum was that Turkey should shift its relations with China beyond trade volume to more strategic areas such as high technology, R&D, logistics integration, energy, transportation, and academic cooperation.

It was understood that China views Turkey not only as a market but as a strategic hub providing access to Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia. However, factors such as bureaucratic predictability, geopolitical stability, enforceability of regulations, and a secure environment are decisive for Chinese investors regarding the investment climate in Turkey.

Particularly regarding the goal of high-tech and value-added investments, it was emphasized that Turkey needs to strengthen its R&D capacity. Let’s consider this from three perspectives. First, China’s strategic direction remains strong in the medium and long term, but short-term vulnerabilities persist; for example, as long as U.S. pressure on semiconductors continues, China will remain dependent on technology imports.

Second, internal structural issues such as regional inequalities, an aging population, and the increase in social spending as a share of GDP from 2.2% in 2000 to 3.4% in 2010 and 7.1% in 2023 narrow economic maneuvering space in the long term. Third, the cautious approach of international partners.

Countries unwilling to be overly dependent on China are diversifying their trade partnerships; Italy and Panama’s withdrawal from the Belt and Road Initiative signals this trend. It is clear that China plans these moves with a long-term vision. The same strategic priorities continue through five-year plans; sectors change, but the consistency of goals remains intact.

This also provides a kind of flexibility against external shocks. Is the frequently used label of state capitalism for China accurate, or is a different conceptual framework needed? Jérôme Ravenet approaches this question from a philosopher’s perspective. I mentioned that Ravenet’s profile differs somewhat from the other authors of the book. He taught philosophy at the high school level and completed his doctorate in Chinese anthropology.

Murat Ülker: Turkey and China Deepen Economic and Strategic Partnership