Building the New Silk Road in the 21st Century: the Belt and Road Initiative from a Sino-Turkish Perspective

The announcement of the belt and the BRI, the following two are of particular signif-

Road Initiative (BRI) by Chinese President Xi Jin- icance: the Action Plan issued by China’s National

ping during a series of visits to Central and South- Development and Reform Commission, Ministry

east Asia in 2013 created a new atmosphere of in- of Foreign Affairs, and Ministry of Commerce, and

ternational cooperation. With China leading the a 2019 report entitled ‘Locating Turkey in the Belt

way in this initiative, Turkey quickly emerged as and Road Initiative’, issued by the Foreign Economic

one of its strategic partners. In order to gain a deep Relations Board of Turkey’s Ministry of Commerce.

understanding of the new opportunities for cooper- Methodologically, this study is based on qualitative

ation in such an environment and to anticipate the content analysis. This technique is a widely used tool

difficulties that may arise in the evaluation of these for textual analysis. For the purpose of this analy-

opportunities, it is necessary to systematically grasp sis, the data retrieved from official documents were

both countries’ perspectives on the BRI. This study coded based on research aims in order to enable a

thus examines the unfolding of the BRI process and systematic categorization (Neuman 2014).

the resulting position of each country. In this con- The first section of this study provides a general

text, the main purpose of this study is to examine outline of the BRI, followed by a presentation of its

the general cooperation framework, principles, pri- general framework and basic principles in the sec-

orities, and mechanisms of the BRI as well as China’s ond section. The third section examines the main

and Turkey’s respective positions in the Initiative. cooperation priorities and mechanisms of the BRI.

The study relies on an analysis of BRI-related “Five areas of cooperation” are defined within the

documents prepared by the Republic of Turkey and BRI’s framework: policy coordination, enhanced

the People’s Republic of China. Of the many docu- connectivity, unimpeded trade, financial integra-

ments which reflect each country’s perspective on tion, and deepening people-to-people bonds. The

Ş e ri f E m re G ö kçay, Bu i l d i n g t h e N e w Si l k R oa d in the 2 1 s t C entur y : the B elt a nd R o a d Initia tiv e fr om a S ino - Tur k is h Per s p e cti v e

fourth section will discuss China’s role in the BRI. ed towards encouraging regional cooperation and

In the fifth and final part of the study, Turkey's po- political harmony in the broadest sense among the

tential policy strategies within the BRI will be eval- countries involved, the BRI has the following aims

uated with respect to the country’s trading, foreign (Action plan on the Belt and Road Initiative, 2015Action plan on the Belt and Road Initiative (2015). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.):

direct investment and logistics strategies. • Integrating the development strategies of

the countries involved;

China’s BRI in the 21St Century • Promoting highly efficient allocation of

resources; In Eurasia, the cradle of civilizations, various trade • Promoting deep integration of markets; routes have historically been formed based on eco- • Promoting orderly and free flow of nomic and social necessities. Through these routes economic factors; connecting Asia and Europe, exchange, peace and • Tapping market potential; cooperation have guided the progress of human civ- • Promoting investment and consumption, ilization (Action plan on the Belt and Road Initiative, • Creating demands and job opportunities; 2015Action plan on the training of medical professionals, and Belt and Road Initiative (2015). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.; Chatzky & McBride, 2019Chatzky & McBride (2019). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.; Kuo, Kommenda, enhancing people-to-people and cultural 2018). In the Action Plan on the BRI, these historexchanges, and mutual learning among ical routes are described as reflecting the Silk Road the peoples of the relevant countries, and

Spirit, which “has been passed from generation to enabling them to understand, trust and

generation” and symbolizes “communication and respect each other and live in harmony,

cooperation between the East and the West” (Action peace and prosperity.

plan on the Belt and Road Initiative, 2015). Geographically, the BRI unites Asia, Europe and

In 2013, Chinese President Xi Jinping paid Africa. According to the Action Plan, the BRI “fo-

several visits to Central and Southeast Asia. During cuses on bringing together China, Central Asia,

these visits, he raised the issue of “jointly building Russia and Europe”. In this respect, the plan is to de-

the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st-Century velop overland economic corridors between “Chi-

Maritime Silk Road” (Action plan on the Belt and na-Mongolia-Russia, China-Central Asia-West Asia

Road Initiative, 2015; China unveils action plan on and China-Indochina Peninsula” as well as mari-

Belt and Road Initiative, 2015; Chronology of China’s time economic corridors between China and “the

Belt and Road Initiative 2015; Chatzky & McBride, Persian Gulf and the Mediterranean Sea through

2019; Keyvan, 2017; Durdular, 2016: 77). At the in- Central Asia and West Asia” and “from China’s coast

vitation of President Xi Jinping, the presidents of 29 to Europe through the South China Sea and the In-

countries, including President Erdoğan of Turkey, dian Ocean in one route, and from China’s coast

attended the BRI International Forum on Coopera- through the South China Sea to the South Pacific

tion, which took place on May 13-15, 2017 (Keyvan in the other” (Action plan on the Belt and Road In-

2017). Advocates of the BRI maintain that it will itiative, 2015; Chatzky & McBride, 2019; Durdular,

contribute to world peace and prosperity if coun- 2016: 81 – 82; China unveils action plan on Belt and

tries can build an inclusive and balanced regional Road Initiative, 2015; China pledges trans-regional

economic cooperation on the basis of mutual bene- customs co-op for Belt and Road, 2015; Kuo, Kom-

fit (China unveils action plan on Belt and Road Initi- menda, 2018China unveils action plan on Belt and Road Initi- menda (2018). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.; Keyvan, 2017Keyvan (2017). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.). Therefore, the BRI

ative, 2015). Within such a framework that is orient- seems to cover the area of the Ancient Silk Road,

but it is not limited to this geographical area. In fact, • “work in concert and move toward the

the Action Plan makes it clear that it is open to co- objectives of mutual benefit and common

operation with all countries and even international security”;

and regional organizations (Action plan on the Belt • “improve the region’s infrastructure”;

and Road Initiative, 2015; China’s Belt and Road plan • “put in place a secure and efficient

‘open’ to all nations, 2015). network of land, sea and air passages”;

• “further enhance trade and investment

Basic Framework and facilitation”;

Main Principles • “establish a network of free trade areas that

meet high standards”; According to the Action Plan on the BRI, the In- • “maintain closer economic ties, and itiative “advocates tolerance among civilizations, deepen political trust”; respects the paths and modes of development cho- • “encourage different civilizations to sen by different countries, and supports dialogues learn from each other and flourish among different civilizations” (Action plan on the together; and promote mutual Belt and Road Initiative, 2015and promote mutual Belt and Road Initiative (2015). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.; Durdular, 2016: 81). understanding, peace and friendship The BRI abides by five basic principles. These among people of all countries.” are the principles of “mutual respect for each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non- Cooperation Priorities and Mechanisms aggression, mutual noninterference in each other’s

internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit, and The BRI is expected to promote international co-

peaceful coexistence” (Action plan on the Belt and operation in five key areas, “policy coordination,

Road Initiative, 2015; Durdular, 2016; 90 – 81). On facilities connectivity, unimpeded trade, financial

the basis of these principles, the BRI “promotes prac- integration and people-to-people bonds” (Action

tical cooperation in all fields, and works to build a plan on the Belt and Road Initiative, 2015; Durdu-

community of shared interests, destiny and respon- lar, 2016: 83; China unveils action plan on Belt and

sibility featuring mutual political trust, economic Road Initiative, 2015).

integration and cultural inclusiveness” (Action plan

on the Belt and Road Initiative, 2015; China unveils Policy Coordination

action plan on Belt and Road Initiative, 2015).

Following the principle of mutual benefit, the Within the context of policy coordination, the BRI

Initiative “accommodates the interests and concerns strives to “promote intergovernmental cooperation,

of all parties involved, and seeks a conjunction of build a multilevel intergovernmental macro policy

interests and the ‘biggest common denominator’ for exchange and communication mechanism, expand

cooperation so as to give full play to the wisdom and shared interests, enhance mutual political trust, and

creativity, strengths and potentials of all parties” reach new cooperation consensus.” In this vein,

(Action plan on the Belt and Road Initiative, 2015; countries located within the Initiative’s area:

Durdular, 2016: 81). • “may fully coordinate their economic

In line with the fundamental political aims of development strategies and policies”;

the BRI (Action plan on the Belt and Road Initiative, • “work out plans and measures for regional

2015) countries are expected to cooperation”;

Ş e ri f E m re G ö kçay, Bu i l d i n g t h e N e w Si l k R oa d in the 2 1 s t C entur y : the B elt a nd R o a d Initia tiv e fr om a S ino - Tur k is h Per s p e cti v e

• “negotiate to solve cooperation-related In the pursuit of these goals, the BRI seeks to

issues”; open “free trade areas so as to unleash the potential

• “and jointly provide policy support for the for expanded cooperation”, “enhance customs coop-

implementation of practical cooperation eration such as information exchange [and] mutual

and large-scale projects.” (Action plan on recognition of regulations”, “consolidate and expand

the Belt and Road Initiative, 2015; conventional trade” and “explore new growth areas

Durdular, 2016: 83) of trade”, “develop modern service trade” and “pro-

mote trade through investment” (Action plan on

Facilities Connectivity the Belt and Road Initiative, 2015).

Facilities connectivity is regarded as a priority area In line with these plans, the Action Plan em-

for the Initiative. In this field, the Action Plan ex- phasizes the need to “speed up investment facil-

pects countries to show mutual respect for each oth- itation, eliminate investment barriers, and push

er’s concerns regarding sovereignty and security. It forward negotiations on bilateral investment pro-

specifies that countries should: tection agreements and double taxation avoidance

• “should improve the connectivity of their agreements to protect the lawful rights and interests

infrastructure construction plans and of investors” (Action plan on the Belt and Road Initechnical standard systems”; tiative, 2015tiative (2015). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.). • “push forward the construction of Regarding investment, the Action Plan underinternational passageways and junctions” lines the necessity to “expand mutual investment (for land, sea, and air routes), “ensure the areas, deepen cooperation in agriculture, forestry, security of oil and gas pipelines”, and animal husbandry and fisheries, agricultural ma- “jointly advance the construction of cross-

border optical cables and other chinery manufacturing and farm produce process-

communications trunk line networks”; ing, and promote cooperation in marine-product

• “promote green and low-carbon farming, deep-sea fishing, aquatic product process-

infrastructure construction and operation ing, seawater desalination, marine biopharmacy,

management, taking into full account the ocean engineering technology, environmental pro-

impact of climate change on the tection industries, marine tourism and other fields”

construction.” (Action plan on the Belt and (Action plan on the Belt and Road Initiative, 2015Action plan on the Belt and Road Initiative (2015). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.). It

Road Initiative, 2015; Durdular, 2016: 81; moreover mentions the need to “increase coopera-

DEİK, 2019: 15) tion in the exploration and development of coal, oil,

gas, metal minerals and other conventional energy

Unimpeded Trade sources; advance cooperation in hydropower, nucle-

With respect to unimpeded trade, the aim of the In- ar power, wind power, solar power and other clean,

itiative is “to improve investment and trade facilita- renewable energy sources” (Action plan on the Belt

tion, and remove investment and trade barriers for and Road Initiative, 2015; Durdular, 2016: 83 – 84;

the creation of a sound business environment with- China pledges trans-regional customs co-op for Belt

in the region and in all related countries” (Action and Road, 2015; China beefs up tax services to spur

plan on the Belt and Road Initiative, 2015). investment in Belt and Road, 2015).

Financial Integration • promote cooperation and media

cooperation in the field of cultural The objectives to be realized in the field of financial activities; integration can be listed as follows: • promote exchanges of personnel, students • “make more efforts in building a currency and academics and jointly run education stability system, investment and financing programs; system and credit information system • “hold tourism promotion weeks and in Asia... [and] expand the scope and scale publicity months in each other’s countries; of bilateral currency swap and settlement”; jointly create competitive international • “open and develop the bond market in Asia”; tourist routes and products with Silk Road • “make joint efforts to establish the Asian features; and make it more convenient to Infrastructure Investment Bank and apply for tourist visa in countries along BRICS New Development Bank”; the Belt and Road. We should push • “conduct negotiation among related forward cooperation on the 21st-Century parties on establishing Shanghai Maritime Silk Road cruise tourism Cooperation Organization (SCO) program. We should carry out sports financing institution”; exchanges and support countries along • “put into operation the Silk Road Fund”; the Belt and Road in their bid for hosting • “strengthen practical cooperation of major international sports events”; China-ASEAN Interbank Association and • “strengthen cooperation with neighboring SCO Interbank Association”; countries on epidemic information • “carry out multilateral financial sharing, the exchange of prevention cooperation in the form of syndicated and treatment technologies and the loans and bank credit.” (Action plan on the training of medical professionals, and Belt and Road Initiative, 2015Action plan on the training of medical professionals, and Belt and Road Initiative (2015). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.; Durdular, improve our capability to jointly address 2016: 84) public health emergencies.” The Initiative further wants to strengthen coop- • “provide medical assistance and eration in the area of finance by “establish[ing] an emergency medical aid to relevant efficient regulation coordination mechanism in the countries, and carry out practical region... build[ing] a regional financial risk earcooperation in maternal and child health, ly-warning system, and creat[ing] an exchange and disability rehabilitation, and major cooperation mechanism of addressing cross-border infectious diseases including AIDS, risks and crisis” (Action plan on the Belt and Road Intuberculosis and malaria.”; itiative, 2015itiative (2015). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.; Durdular, 2016: 84). • “establish joint labs (or research centers), international technology transfer centers

People-to-People Bonds and maritime cooperation centers,

In terms of cross-cultural connections, the Action promote sci-tech personnel exchanges,

Plan introduces the following topics as the BRI’s cooperate in tackling key sci-tech

major objectives (Action plan on the Belt and Road problems, and work together to improve

Initiative, 2015): sci-tech innovation capability”;

Ş e ri f E m re G ö kçay, Bu i l d i n g t h e N e w Si l k R oa d in the 2 1 s t C entur y : the B elt a nd R o a d Initia tiv e fr om a S ino - Tur k is h Per s p e cti v e

• “integrate existing resources to expand Asia, Europe and Africa. In this context, China

and advance practical cooperation is committed to taking more responsibility and

between countries along the Belt and contributing to world peace and social develop-

Road on youth employment, ment. China’s policy is to encourage companies in

entrepreneurship training, vocational different countries to invest in China and Chinese

skill development, social security businesses to invest in other countries along the

management, public administration and Belt and Road. The Chinese government actively

management and in other areas of promotes the construction of the Belt and Road

common interest”; in order to strengthen the exchange and cooper-

• “promote friendly exchanges between ation between the Eastern, Western and Central

regions of China, and to achieve a comprehensive legislative bodies, major political parties expansion of the Chinese economy (Action plan and political organizations of countries on the Belt and Road Initiative, 2015Action plan and political organizations of countries on the Belt and Road Initiative (2015). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.; Chatzky & along the Belt and Road”; McBride, 2019Chatzky & McBride (2019). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.; Durdular, 2016: 80). Within this • “encourage major cities in these countries framework, the BRI is described as the constructo become sister cities” tion of a network of interests under the leadership • “increase exchanges and cooperation of China (DEİK, 2019:8 – 14; Chatzky & McBride,

between nongovernmental organizations 2019; Durdular, 2016: 79 – 80; Kuo, Kommenda,

of countries”; 2018; Keyvan, 2017).

• “organize public interest activities In the context of the Belt and Road, China

concerning education, healthcare, poverty aims to establish bilateral and multilateral coop-

reduction, biodiversity and ecological eration mechanisms in the areas mentioned in the

protection for the benefit of the general previous sections in order to strengthen regional

public.” cooperation. For this purpose, President Xi Jin-

ping and Chinese State Council Party Secretary Li

China’s Role and Position Keqiang conducted various meetings. As a result

in the BRI of these negotiations that were conducted within

the scope of the BRI, China has signed coopera- In 1978, led by Deng Xiaoping, China embraced tion agreements with various countries regarding a policy of opening-up to the rest of the world, regional, economic and commercial areas and which connected the country’s economy to the development plans. Based on these plans, Chiglobal economy. Pioneering the BRI, China today na has developed stronger interest in enhancing

aims to instigate a new opening and to integrate communication and consultation with countries

itself further into the global economic system along the Belt and Road. By the same token, the

(China unveils action plan on Belt and Road Ini- country promotes “a number of key cooperation

tiative, 2015; Chronology of China’s Belt and Road projects in the fields of infrastructure connectiv-

Initiative, 2015; DEİK, 2019:4). ity, industrial investment, resource development,

The Initiative aims to further amplify China’s economic and trade cooperation, financial coop-

economic expansion and to achieve a strength- eration, cultural exchanges, ecological protection

ening of mutual benefit cooperation relation- and maritime cooperation” (Action plan on the

ships with the rest of the world, particularly with Belt and Road Initiative, 2015).

tegrated with the Marmaray rail line. In this context, “the train, which had taken off in China and arrived in Turkey via Kars, on November 7, 2019, became the first freight train to move on to Europe using Marmaray” (Anadolu Agency, 2019Anadolu Agency (2019). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.). The BRI can only exist on the basis of cooperation. For a consensus regarding policy cooperation based on common interests, it is necessary for the countries to formulate plans on the basis of their national interests. If it wants to benefit from the opportunities that the BRI intends to generate, Turkey is required to develop a comprehensive plan and strong policies. In this respect, the report “Locating

Belt and Road International Forum in Beijing in 2017. Turkey in the Belt and Road Initiative” prepared by

the Turkish Ministry of Commerce’s Board of For-

Turkey’s Potential Policy eign Economic Relations in 2019 reveals Turkey's

Strategies in the BRI potential contributions to the BRI.

Although it was developed under the leadership of The report mentions that “the world’s center

of gravity is changing and that it is important for China, it is possible to say that the BRI serves the Turkey to map its needs on a complex network of common interests of Eurasian countries. On this corridors and poles” (DEIK, 2019: 14DEİK (2019). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.). It is stated basis, the countries involved in the Initiative need that taking an active role in the BRI “will provide to cooperate and develop policies in line with their Turkish diplomacy with a wider radius of action in national interests. the region and in the world” (DEİK, 2019: 22DEİK (2019). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.). In this framework, the Republic of Turkey has In his introduction to the report, Turkish Mincarried out and been continuing to carry out a variety ister of Commerce Ruhsar Pekcan describes the BRI of collaborations. Different agreements signed with “as an important initiative that turns our countries

the People’s Republic of China such as the “Strategic that lay on opposite ends of the historical Silk Road

Partnership”, the “Agreement on the Harmonization into each other’s neighbors” (DEİK, 2019: Introduc-

of the Silk Road Economic Belt, the 21st Century tion, paragraph: 3). Pekcan also indicates that the

Maritime Silk Road and the Central Corridor Initi- BRI would be “one of the most important mecha-

ative”, and the “Turkey-China Railway Cooperation nisms for Turkey in capitalizing on the potential and

Agreement” can be referred to as examples of this the opportunities of the global economic conjunc-

cooperation. In addition, the “Agreement with the ture” (DEIK, 2019: Introduction, paragraph: 3DEİK (2019). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.). In

People's Republic of China on the Mutual Establish- this regard, it is put forward that “Turkey should play

ment of Cultural Centers” was signed in 2018, and a an active part in the BRI in order to benefit from eco-

Turkey Tourism Year event was organized the same nomic and political opportunities (DEIK, 2019: 3DEİK (2019). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.)”.

year in China (Keyvan, 2017Keyvan (2017). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.; Durdular, 2016: 90). It is argued that “in case Turkey fails to play an active

In a similar direction, the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars Rail- role at the early stages of the Initiative, it will be diffi-

way and the Edirne-Kars high-speed train projects cult for the country to assume an influential position

are being realized in such a way that they will be in- within the Initiative at later stages” (DEİK, 2019: 5DEİK (2019). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.).

Ş e ri f E m re G ö kçay, Bu i l d i n g t h e N e w Si l k R oa d in the 2 1 s t C entur y : the B elt a nd R o a d Initia tiv e fr om a S ino - Tur k is h Per s p e cti v e

The report lays out the target for Turkey to use Turkey’s Potential Trading Strategies

its geographical position to its advantage and to Turkey’s potential trading strategies within the BRI “become a logistics center in the Initiative” (DEIK, are divided into three sub-headings: “Increasing 2019: 41DEİK (2019). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.). According to the report, Turkey should trade with China”, “Increasing trade with BRI coundevelop projects that particularly position its ports tries”, and “Protecting Turkey’s position as a bridge along the Mediterranean and Aegean Sea within between China and Europe” (DEIK, 2019: 24 - 27DEİK (2019). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.). the Maritime Silk Road (DEIK, 2019: 16DEİK (2019). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.). Anoth- As regards to increasing the trade with Chier target put forward in the report is for the counna, the report includes the following observations

try “to seize the opportunities provided by the Belt (DEİK, 2019: 24DEİK (2019). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.):

and Road market in order to attract foreign inves- • “According to the results of a five-stage

tors, especially Chinese investors, in tech-intensive analysis that filtered different products,

areas, to increase commercial relations with other China allows Turkey to impact its market

BRI member countries and to establish Turkey as a in 225 out of 4914 products;

bridge between Europe and China” (DEİK, 2019DEİK (2019). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.). • Machine-electricity, food, transport,

According to other objectives defined in the report, chemicals, textiles and metals are among

“Turkey has to increase its efficiency in existing the product categories in which Turkey is

markets, reach new markets within the scope of the involved in the competition;

BRI, diversify its export market and reduce its eco- • Within the scope of the Turkish Trade

nomic dependence on the EU" (DEIK, 2019DEİK (2019). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.). Centers that will be opened in Asia, the

By way of conclusion, the report also conveys introduction of Turkey’s producers and

some general policy recommendations. These pol- their products on the Chinese market

icy recommendations are as follows (DEİK, 2019: through special programs and institutions

46): may be part of the policies that help

• “Turkey’s attractiveness with respect to increase trade with China.”

Chinese investment should be increased; With respect to increasing and facilitating trade

• Turkey should engage in joint production with BRI countries, the report points out the follow-

and development of technology with ing strategies (DEİK, 2019: 24DEİK (2019). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.):

China; • “In order to convert the harmony in the

• It should be a priority for Turkey to trading structure into an increase in

become a logistics center; trade, it is important to seek an even

• In concert with China, Turkey should stronger integration with the BRI

prioritize and enter other markets; countries and to communicate within an

• Turkey should prioritize areas of trade that economic framework;

are likely to grow through the BRI.” • It will be beneficial to speed up digital

In the report, Turkey’s potential economic strategies customs processes and accelerated

within the BRI are grouped under three headings. customs clearance processes as well as

These headings specify the strategies as “Turkey’s the reduction of trade barriers between

potential trading strategies, Turkey’s potential for- BRI countries and to develop strategies

eign direct investment strategies and Turkey’s po- to strengthen logistical ties with these

tential logistics strategies” (DEIK, 2019: 23DEİK (2019). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.; 41; 48). countries.”

With respect to protecting Turkey’s position as a countries to Turkey, the following is stated in the

bridge between China and Europe, the report in- report (DEİK, 2019: 34DEİK (2019). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.):

cludes the following indications (DEİK, 2019: 24DEİK (2019). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.): • “BRI markets will attract new investments

• “Since the BRI is expected to strengthen due to a developing logistics infrastructure;

and pluralize potential commercial • attracting investments to Turkey can be ren-

corridors between China and Europe, dered possible through effective and integrat-

this situation represents a threat to ed logistics, customs and low political risk;

Turkey’s geopolitical position in the region • foreign direct investment should be targeted

and in particular investments in Eastern under different headings such as adminis-

Europe enhance the competitive power of trative centers with not only local but also

potential routes; regional and global connectivity, production,

• Turkey needs to assume an active role in and logistics.”

the BRI and in this respect also needs to

strengthen its relations in Eastern Europe” Turkey’s Potential Logistics Strategies

Turkey’s potential logistics strategies within the Turkey’s Potential Direct Foreign BRI are divided into three sub-headings: “Improv- Investment Strategies ing Turkey’s logistics infrastructure with the BRI”,

Turkey's potential direct foreign investment strate- “Increasing Turkey’s competitiveness as a logistics

gies within the BRI are divided into two sub-head- center”, and “Increasing the potential and efficiency

ings: “Attracting direct investment from China to of the Turkish logistics industry” (DEİK, 2019: 41DEİK (2019). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.).

Turkey” and “Attracting global investments from With respect to improving Turkey’s logistics

BRI countries and those targeting these countries to infrastructure with the BRI, the report presents the

Turkey” (DEIK, 2019: 34 - 39DEİK (2019). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.). following requirements (DEİK, 2019: 41DEİK (2019). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.):

The following possibilities are outlined in the • Completion of ongoing railway investments

report with respect to attracting direct investment and the connection of high-speed railways

from China to Turkey (DEİK, 2019: 34DEİK (2019). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.): on the East-West axis;

• “Turkey's industrial production capabilities • identifying new possible investment

could be advanced by drawing Chinese direct requirements for participation in the

investment and through the knowledge and BRI and attracting Chinese investors for

technology transfer gained from these invest- infrastructure investment needs;

ments; • increasing links between national logistics

• Increasing capital flows to middle-low-tech centers.”

production areas that China has begun to With respect to increasing Turkey’s competitiveness

move abroad, thereby integrating with global as a logistics center, the following is mentioned in

value chains and opening the way for the pro- the report (DEİK, 2019: 41DEİK (2019). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.):

duction of complex production technologies • Reaping higher benefits from the potential

and products of the future.” of the new Istanbul Airport by developing

With respect to attracting global investments from an air transportation connection within the

BRI countries and investments targeting these framework of the BRI;

Ş e ri f E m re G ö kçay, Bu i l d i n g t h e N e w Si l k R oa d in the 2 1 s t C entur y : the B elt a nd R o a d Initia tiv e fr om a S ino - Tur k is h Per s p e cti v e

• integrating recently completed and ongoing mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence” (Action

infrastructure investments with BRI plan on the Belt and Road Initiative, 2015). The BRI

corridors; defines “policy coordination, facilities connectiv-

• consolidating Turkey’s role as an opinion ity, unimpeded trade, financial integration and

leader in Central Asia and the Caucasus in people-to-people bonds as [its] five major goals”

order to increase logistic connections in the (Action plan on the Belt and Road Initiative, 2015Action plan on the Belt and Road Initiative (2015). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.).

Central Corridor; The BRI is an initiative developed mainly un-

• improving performance in border crossings der the leadership of China. On the basis of this

and international crossings and bringing initiative, the Chinese economy is devising a new

process improvements to customs.” policy of opening-up. However, both the principles

With respect to increasing the potential and effi- dominating the initiative and its objectives and pol-

ciency of the Turkish logistics industry, the report icy instruments require the participation of other

outlines the following possible policies (DEİK, countries. As a matter of fact, the future of the ini-

2019: 41); tiative will be determined by policies that countries

• The possibility of promoting Turkey’s will work out according to the principle of mutual

position as an international transit route for benefit.

the landlocked countries of the Central As indicated in the report published by the

Corridor; Foreign Economic Relations Board of the Turkish

• Turkey should aim to solve logistical Ministry of Commerce, assuming an active role

problems with BRI countries within the in the early stages of the BRI will allow Turkey to

scope of its BRI projects and targets or while assume a strong position within the Initiative and

defining its BRI projects and targets; to expand of its radius of action in the diplomatic

• The reach of the Turkish logistics industry sphere. In this context, the report presents policy

in third markets such as Africa, where recommendations regarding the following topics:

“Raising Turkey’s attractiveness with respect to Chi- Turkey’s presence is limited, can possibly be nese investment; promoting joint production and increased through operations in China.” technological development of Turkey and China; prioritizing the development of Turkey into a logis- Conclusion tics center; entering new markets in concert with

To conclude, the BRI, advanced by China, is an China; prioritizing areas of trade that are likely to

initiative that could protect common interests, grow through the BRI”. (DEİK, 2019: 46DEİK (2019). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.) These pol-

increase social welfare and exchanges between icy recommendations are compatible with Turkey’s

different cultures within a multipolar world order economic development strategy and the BRI’s basic

by promoting regional cooperation between Eur- principles, purposes, and policies.

asian countries (Action plan on the Belt and Road Next to discussing the BRI’s general coopera-

Initiative, 2015). In line with these goals, the BRI tion framework, principles, priorities, and mecha-

is based on five basic principles: “mutual respect nisms alongside China’s leading role in the Initiative

for each other’s sovereignty and territorial integ- and Turkey’s potential policy strategies, this study

rity, mutual nonaggression, mutual noninterfer- further had the aim of lighting the way toward fu-

ence in each other’s internal affairs, equality and ture research regarding the BRI. The need for re-

search concerning the BRI’s future, its principles, video/2015/03/29/content_281475079526119.htm

China’s Belt and Road plan ‘open’ to all nations. (2015). the determination of mutual benefits and, in this Retrieved from http://english.www.gov.cn/news/top_

very context, the economic and political design of news/2015/04/18/content_281475091262006.htm

the BRI as well as China’s role and Turkey’s potential Chronology of China’s Belt and Road Initiative. (2015).

policy strategies in the Initiative is likely to further Retrieved from http://english.www.gov.cn/news/top_

news/2015/04/20/content_281475092566326.htm increase in the coming period. DEİK Dış Ekonomik İlişkiler Kurulu. (2019). Türkiye’nin Kuşak ve Yol Girişimi’nde Konumlandırılması. Retrieved

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