Uncertainty and Ambiguity: Turkey’s Perception on the Rise of China

Abstract

This paper aims to analyze how China's rise is perceived by minor powers in the world system. Taking Turkey as the case study, the paper focuses on major issue areas such as bilateral trade and business between Turkey and China, and the issue of Eastern Turkistan (Xinjiang problem). This research concludes that unbalanced trade relationships and fierce competition in textile exports between Turkey and China are causing uneasiness on the Turkish side. Nevertheless, this has not changed Turkey's perception about China's rise as an opportune chance. Politically, it is possible for Turkey to seek opportunities to cooperate with China in many aspects to promote Turkey's interests. China should also realize that it is impossible for Turkey to be openly supportive of China's anti-terrorist policies in Xinjiang, where most of the inhabitants are regarded as " fellowmen " by Turks.