Strategic Assessment

This article explores the factors that influence relations between China and Turkey. The article cites political and security considerations, disputes concerning the situation of the Uyghur minority in China (a minority of Turkic origin), and economic aspects as playing a key role in the inter-state dynamics. It argues that together with the warming of relations between the countries, beginning in the 1990s and reaching new heights in the twenty-first century, obstacles and suspicion still stand in the way of a more substantial relationship between the two countries. At the same time, the growing Chinese interest in investments in both Israel and Turkey, particularly in transportation, could contain potential for regional cooperation that includes significant roles for Israel and Turkey.