A Lecture on Turkey and China in the 21st Century

China in the Middle East Lecture Series:
Turkey and China in the 21st Century
Tao Zan (PEKING UNIVERSITY)
Wednesday December 11, 2013
Urban Center - Room 710 - 12:00 - 2:00 PM


Portland State University

Summary of the lecture by Kathie Beasley, International Studies

There are two main dimensions that can be used to further understand Turkey and China relations in the 21^st Century. It should be stated that this topic is fairly new to the academic world, there are very few classes offered at Universities in China to learn Turkish or to delve deeper into the rich history of Turks.  That being said, Professor Tao Zan, of Peking University, has managed to make an impressive academic career out of exploring the complex dimensions of the two countries.   Complex, perhaps falls short in describing the phenomena that exists in the Xinjiang Providence in North Western China where currently a “corridor of Uyghur” people 10 million strong are existing as a minority group. 

Historically, The Turks and the Chinese have been portrayed as having smooth relations, but Professor Tao explained how the modern day perception of each other tells us of a more abrasive past.  Late 6^th Century Turkish peoples including the Uyghur’s traveled across the “middle east” and began founding states in the area below Mongolia and Russia. Overtime the Uighurs came into contact with Muslims and began converting to Islam.  The culture of the Turks and Islam is every present and this can be seen in modern day Xinjiang.  (Please click on the link for fascinating images of the Uyghur people).

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2507435/Uighur-women-defy-Chinas-government-continuing-wear-tiny-Taipak-hats.html

One can easily see from the photos that Uyghur people have phenomenal features distinctly different from the Han people of China that are more well known in China.  Professor Tao spoke of the modern day influence and presence of the Turks by way of television programs and whole market places dedicated to selling only Turkish imported items. This makes sense given the number of identified Muslims and Turkish ancestry in the area. Also, China is Turkey’s largest importer of goods, according to Professor Tao.  Yet the national interest in preserving the Uyghur way of life is slowing being plucked away. Current Chinese Government agenda is taking a core interest in the Uyghur people as a matter of national security to the country.  Since the demonization of Muslim people post 9/11, and the ongoing prejudices towards Islam, the Uyghur people are being put in the spot light, perhaps this why so little academically exists on the phenomena?  One might assert that it is not in the interest of Communist China to allow these peoples to continue on in their rich and dynamic history.  

Structurally, Turkey and China in the 21^st Century are very different. China is the world’s second largest economy in the world, and Turkey is merely sixteenth on the list.   As stated previously, China is Turkey’s largest importer, so it is interesting to consider the ramifications of a muted Turkish population in China would have on Turkey’s economy.  China’s main focus in the Middle East is oil security, and Turkey doesn’t seem to have enough oil for the Chinese to begin making them a partner.  Geo-economically, China seems to be at an advantage over Turkey who is landlocked and suffers from “bad neighbors.”

Professor Zan seemed doubtful of any true alliance forming between the two countries. He theorized about lack of oil reserves in Turkey, religiously they are too different, economically they are not equals and therefore their involvement in international organizations does not match. IF ever there were to be a partnership it would most likely be alternative in nature.  For example, after the Chinese government has asserted communism onto the Uyghur peoples, Turkey may become a refugee for the diaspora.  It will be interesting to see the response of border nations of the Xinjiang Providence, where many Muslim and Turkish descendants reside and all that separates them are geographical borders.  Back to economics, China seems content with the current weapon sales to the Turkish Military, this will most likely increase in the coming decades as tension over oil in the Middle East continues to escalate.

Turkey and China have a very fascinating connection, one that I fear China is resistant to developing.  Relations with Turkey may continue relatively unscathed and diplomatic, but as China increases the restrictions on the Uyghur people, I believe Turkey will begin to offer assistance.  I wonder how Turkey feels about the Uyghur.  It must be difficult to watch the events unfold, especially with the knowledge of what happened, is happening to Tibet. I would hate to be in the way of the Chinese government. What’s to stop them?  They are too big an economic power to suffer any retaliation. Certainly the United States would not get involved, we must not bite the hands that feed us.  I plan on following the story and news as it unfolds in both areas.  Professor Tao’s lecture was completely fascinating and I honestly had no idea about the Uyghur.  I really did learn something new today.