1 Cai Hesen: Member of the CCP and a close friend of Mao Zedong. 27
during the Sino-Japanese War, reports from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Tokyo Embassy were published on events in the region and China’s economic developments (BCA, 1940BCA (1940). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.). Although many interactions between the two countries exemplify close friendship and understanding, a study containing sufficient information about the relations between Turkey and the Republic of China in the period was not found in the literature review. It has been observed that the studies conducted in general are studies involving a narrow-ranging period and with limited resources. For this reason, there is an important need to clarify the relations between Turkey and China between 1923 and 1949. This is a study to address the lack of a descriptive study on the relations between Turkey and the Republic of China for 1923 to 1949. Employees of China’s First Embassy in Turkey.
(Cumhuriyet Newspaper, 11 June 1935) Diplomatic Relations Between Turkey and the
Republic of China (1923-1949) China were exposed to the pressures of imperialism and that the Anatolian victory of the Turks was a After establishing the Republic of Turkey, a great effort development that would encourage all oppressed was made to solidify a peaceful diplomatic network nations, especially China (Fidan, 2019: 5-10). with other countries through foreign policy. The Another CCP member, Gao Junyu (高君宇), also first diplomatic contact with the Republic of China hailed Turkey’s victory over imperialism (Junyu, was made on 17 October 1925 by an initiative of the 2019: 97-102). Belgian Embassy of Turkey to establish diplomatic Turkey’s success against imperialism has relations (DBA, 1925DBA (1925). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.; 1925a; 1925b). Turkey contacted had a significant impact on China’s progressive China’s Ambassador to Belgium, Wang Jingqi, to intellectuals. This situation encouraged the show its intention to develop friendly relations with strengthening of China’s relations with Turkey. The China and to sign a trade agreement. Having received fact that the revolutions of 1911 in China and 1923 information that the Turkish Government wanted to in Turkey were similar in character further aligned establish diplomatic relations with China, the Beiyang the two countries. The frequent visits of Chinese Government2 ordered the Chinese ambassador in delegations to understand the success of the Turkish Belgium to immediately contact the Turkish chargé Revolution and the reports they gave about Turkey d’affaires to negotiate and sign a trade agreement. highlight this situation. Turkey similarly followed However, when the Turkish chargé d’affaires stated developments in China and Far Asia. Especially that the most favored nation registration clause
28 2 (Chinese: 北洋政府; pinyin: Běiyáng Zhèngfǔ) The government of the Republic of China, whose capital was Beijing, between 1912 and 1928. It was named
after the Beiyang Army, which had dominated its politics with the rise of the general of the Qing Dynasty, Yuan Shikai. Sun Yat-sen's Guangzhou-based Kuomintang government movement seriously challenged the legitimacy of the Beiyang government in 1917. Chiang Kai-shek defeated the Beiyang warlords during the Northern Campaign of 1926-1928. In 1928, he overthrew factions and the government, effectively uniting the country. The Kuomintang established its nationalist government in Nanjing, transforming the political order into a one-party state.
should be used in the trade agreement to be treaty between the two countries were continuing,
signed, the negotiations on the trade agreement Turkey attempted to have the Japanese ambassador
were firmly opposed by the Chinese Government. Hulusi Fuad Tugay recognized as the Chinese
However, China recognized Turkey as a large Asian Chargé d’Affaires. China accepted this request
state and understood that a trade agreement should (BCA, 1929BCA (1929). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.). Thus, Hulusi Fuad Tugay became
be signed as soon as possible to establish friendly Turkey’s first Chinese diplomat. Hulusi Fuad Tugay
relations (Huang, 2003Huang (2003). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.). arrived in Shanghai on 1 April 1929 and went to
Nanjing on 9 April to be accepted by the Minister of Foreign Affairs. During the meeting, the Chinese
Turkey attempted to have the Foreign Minister conveyed his satisfaction with
Japanese ambassador Hulusi establishing bilateral relations and stated that China
Fuad Tugay recognized as the is going through the revolutions Turkey had gone
Chinese Chargé d’Affaires. China through, therefore expressing how the Chinese
accepted this request. Thus, Hulusi government and the Chinese nation had sympathy
Fuad Tugay became Turkey’s first towards Turkey (BCA, 1929aBCA (1929). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.). Turkey’s chargé
Chinese diplomat. d’affaires experienced various accommodation and
economic problems between 1929 and 1931 and consequently had to leave China in 1931.
On 4 March 1926, the Ministry of Foreign Mutual negotiations and correspondence were
Affairs of the Beiyang Government called the made between Turkey and China to sign a friendship
diplomat Zheng Yanxi in Russia and asked him to agreement from 1925 to 1934, but, due to various
contact Zekai Apaydın, Turkey’s Ambassador to reasons, an agreement could not be reached. At
Russia. While the consultations and negotiations the end of nine years of mutual negotiations, on
between Zheng Yanxi and Zekai Apaydın were 4 April 1934, a four-point friendship agreement
continuing, 165 Chinese led by Wang Zengshan was signed in Ankara between Tevfik Rüştü Bey,
and Ma Hongdao, who lived in Turkey for many Deputy Foreign Minister on behalf of Turkey, and
years, submitted a joint petition to the Beiyang M. V Hoo Chi Tsai (胡世泽hushize), the Bern
government to accelerate the friendship and Ambassador on behalf of the Republic of China
signing of the trade agreement with Turkey. The (Official Gazette of the Republic of Turkey, 1934Official Gazette of the Republic of Turkey (1934). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.).
Beiyang government prepared a draft of an 8-point After China and Turkey signed a friendship and
China-Turkish friendship treaty. However, China’s trade agreement, diplomatic representations were
Xinjiang Province Governor, Yang Zengxin (杨增 established between the two countries, and political
新), opposed signing any agreement with Turkey, and economic relations were strengthened. For
fearing that Turkey could influence Xinjiang example, in the same year, China’s exports to Turkey
Muslims to create a power element in the region exceeded 100,000 silver dollars. This amount
(Huang, 2003: 54Huang (2003). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.). The establishment of the constituted 2.5% of China’s exports at that time.
national government in Nanjing interrupted Thus, trade between Turkey and China doubled.
negotiations between Turkey and China. In particular, Chinese citizens came to Turkey to
In 1929, while negotiations on the friendship work and do business, which greatly encouraged
The First Chinese Ambassador He Yao Zu was in Çankaya to present his letter of trust. (Ulus Newspaper, 17 May 1935)
social interactions between the two countries in the Turkish Revolution from the interview
(Huang, 2003:55Huang (2003). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.). At the same time, after signing of Turkey’s first Chinese ambassador. After
the Turkish-Chinese friendship treaty, the number establishing bilateral relations, China’s first envoy,
of Chinese delegations to Turkey increased. In He Yao Zu (贺耀祖), expressed his intent in the
this case, the curiosity of the Chinese about the Cumhuriyet newspaper in Nanjing to try and
Turkish Revolution and the rapid development of apply the Turkish Revolution to his country by
Turkey was effective. studying it. China’s first Turkish diplomats had
It is possible to understand China’s interest a very high interest in the Turkish Revolution.
Nimetullah, the second clerk of the Chinese your President, I say these words not as an envoy,
Embassy in Ankara, completed his secondary but as a true Turkish friend” (Cumhuriyet, 1935c:
and high school education in Turkey and even 2). On 16 May 1935, He Yao Zu, the first Chinese
graduated from the Faculty of Letters of Istanbul Ambassador to Turkey, began his mission by
University. presenting a letter of confidence to President
Atatürk, stating how “It is an unprecedented opportunity for us to learn important lessons
Wang Pengsheng believed from Atatürk”, the Chinese envoy told Anadolu
that Turkey’s success offered an newspaper.
Giving an example from a Chinese poem, he important lesson for China, and the stated that “The greatest pleasure is to have a new
modern and humanitarian policy friend, and after a long separation, an old friend
drawn by Atatürk was an example can come to a new friend. It is impossible not to
for all nations of the world. say that we have become new friends after our
historical relations of 3000 years have become old acquaintances. By a beautiful coincidence, it rained with thunder before I delivered the letter
Nimetullah frequently mentioned the of confidence. In our old books, thunder brings
Turkish Revolution in the conferences he gave movement. It is a good omen that will strengthen
in China (Cumhuriyet, 1935:1-2). In addition, our relations from today on. And rain means
Wang Pengsheng (王芃生), undersecretary of friendship. Our ancestors called their old friends
the Chinese Embassy in Ankara, believed that the old rains. We are very pleased that this symbol
Turkey’s success offered an important lesson for has come to our official relations with our former
China. He stated that Japan and Turkey brought relations” (Ulus, 1935:3; 1935a: 1-3; Anadolu,
about successful national revolutions in Asia, 1935: 1-4; Yeni Asır, 1935: 3).
but the difference was that while Japan had These words from the Chinese Ambassador
imperialist ambitions, Turkey adopted a peaceful reveal a deep awareness of the historical past
policy. According to Pengsheng, the modern and between the Turks and the Chinese, and his belief
humanitarian policy drawn by Atatürk was an in the Turkish Revolution’s application to China
example for all nations of the world. He said that was very strong. It is further possible to see this
the Chinese nation should strive to walk the path belief of the ambassador in the statements he
drawn by Atatürk (Cumhuriyet, 1935b: 1-4). gave to Turkish and Chinese newspapers and in
On 7 May 1935, China’s first Ambassador the reports he wrote to the Chinese government
to Turkey, He Yao Zu, arrived in Istanbul. The about Turkey.
Ambassador said on the first day, “I bring the The interest and relevance of Chinese diplomats in
Chinese nation’s respectful greetings to your Turkey to Turkish development and modernization
Great Chief and his precious friends who are great, for they enabled the revolutionary and
saved Turkey. We hope that by establishing an progressive personality of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk to
embassy in Turkey, we will help strengthen the play an influential role. In 1938, the newly appointed
relationship between the two friendly nations. Chinese Chargé d’Affaires M.D. Toung stated in an
Since I did not give the letter of confidence to interview with the Cumhuriyet newspaper that he
Turkey and China against imperialism is evident in this interview. Turkey also strived to establish an embassy in China after an 8-year hiatus. Emin Ali Sipahi (Ministerial) arrived in Chongqing on the morning of 21 December 1939. The Chinese warmly welcomed the first Turkish ambassador assigned to their country. Diplomat Mao-Lan-Tuan, Chinese foreign press members and the Turks living in China welcomed the ambassador. Emin Ali Sipahi was received by Chiang Kai-Shek on 27 December and began his duties as the first Turkish Ambassador to China (BCA, 1940BCA (1940). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.). However, due to the continuation of the Sino-Japanese War during this period, the Turkish ambassador had to continue his duty from Shanghai between 1940 and 1941. Due to the Second World War, relations were not interrupted, but there were occasional gaps in the appointment of ambassadors. The Chinese Ambassador, Feng Chun Chang, who was appointed to Ankara on 2 June 1942, was received by President İsmet İnönü (Cumhuriyet, 1942: 1). The Chinese Ambassador, Chang, left Turkey for another He Yao Zu, First Chinese Ambassador.
(Ulus Newspaper, 17 May 1935) mission and the Vatan newspaper, believing that
the ambassador had been appointed to a different
was very pleased to be in Ankara, which combined location, wrote that he was an exceptional person,
the charms of the east and the west. He stated that that he had established many friendships in Ankara
the Turks took civilization from the east to the in a short time. He made a news report that the
west, and now they took the new and modern departure of the Chinese envoy from Turkey would
civilization from the west to the east. He stated cause serious hesitation and leave a gap (Vatan, 1942:
that the Chinese President, Chiang Kai-shek (蒋介 1). In 1943, bilateral relations were upgraded to the
石), always commemorates Mustafa Kemal Atatürk ambassadorial level, and Hulusi Fuat Tugay was
and his revolutions with admiration and how “The appointed to Chongqing as the first Ambassador and
Chinese nation is fighting against the Japanese for its submitted a letter of confidence on 13 June 1944.
glorious future with the methods of Kemal Atatürk In 1944, a delegation consisting of three people,
in the national struggle. We are defending national Wan Yun Woo, Wen Yuan Ning, and Han Li Woo,
dignity, honor, and peace. China has never fought. Its came to Turkey to develop the Turkish-Chinese
history and philosophy prove this. It is a Chinese love friendship (BCA, 1944BCA (1944). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.). After the Second World War,
of peace” (Cumhuriyet, 1938: 5). Turkey’s struggle the Turkish embassy continued to work in Nanjing
for national independence against imperialism was and Shanghai. Despite the civil war in China, efforts to
an important symbol of Chinese resistance against improve bilateral relations continued. In a note from
Japanese imperialism. The common attitude between the Chinese embassy in 1945, they stated that they
wanted to open a consulate in Istanbul (BCA, 1945BCA (1945). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.). In particular, the Chinese diplomat was attracted
Remarkably, there was no correspondence between by Turkey’s careful decision not to borrow foreign
the Presidents until this period. After the Second currency and its resolute stance on abolishing capi-
World War ended, on 15 August 1945, President tulations. The ambassador believed that there were
İsmet İnönü sent a congratulatory message to the many important points that China could learn from
President of China, Chiang Kai-Shek, celebrating his in this determined attitude of Turkey towards foreign
victory over Japan (BCA, 1945aBCA (1945). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.). This represents the powers. In his writings, he asserted that Turkey’s suc-
first correspondence between the Presidents. In 1947, cessful experiences are a reference for China, though
Li Ti Tsu was appointed as the Chinese Ambassador he acknowledged that the Turkish example could not
to Ankara. After the intensification of the civil war be applied exactly (Fidan, 2019: 53-60). Here, con-
in China and the realization that Nanjing would be sidering the social differences between China and
placed under communist rule, the Turkish Foreign Turkey, the ambassador thought it was right to take
Ministry ordered the Ambassador to withdraw to Turkey as an example with a specialized perspective
Hong Kong. Thus, after the disappearance of the on China.
Republic of China, the Turkish government could not determine what attitude to take, resulting in
diplomatic relations being cut off. Hu Hanmin and Sun Ke held a
meeting with İsmet İnönü, the China’s Interest in the Turkish Revolution Prime Minister of Turkey. Hu
Before diplomatic relations between Turkey and the Hanmin was impressed by Turkey’s
Republic of China were established, interest in the successful reforms and sincerely
Turkish Revolution in China was high. Between 1920 stated that Turkey should be
and 1930, a total of 46 political comments and reports taken as an example.
was written in newspapers and magazines about the
Kemalist Revolution and reforms, the 1908 Revoluti- The visit of Hu Hanmin (胡汉民) and Finance
on, and the War of Independence (Ye, 2021: 72-77). It Minister Sun Ke (孙科)3 to Turkey in 1928 was im-
is enough to look at the abundance of reports in the portant to bilateral relations between Turkey and Chi-
Chinese press to understand China’s intense interest na. Although bilateral relations had not been officially
in Atatürk and the Kemalist Revolution. From 1919 established yet, this was the highest-level visit of China
to 1949, 745 articles were written about Atatürk’s life to Turkey. Hu Hanmin and Sun Ke were individuals
and struggle in the Chinese press (Alan, 2020: 21-26). who held significant political weight in the Kuoming-
Before establishing diplomatic relations between tang. The delegation observed social change, educatio-
the two countries, Shi Zaoji the Chinese Ambassador nal mobilization, fiscal reforms, the CHP (Republican
to the United States, visited Turkey in 1925. In his ob- People’s Party), and Turkish nationalism in Turkey.
servations, the Ambassador stated that Turkey was in In addition, Hu Hanmin and Sun Ke held a meeting
a much worse situation than China at the end of the with İsmet İnönü, the Prime Minister of Turkey. Hu
World War I, but in 3 years, China dumped its enemy Hanmin was impressed by Turkey’s successful reforms
into the sea, signed the Lausanne Peace Treaty, abo- and sincerely stated that Turkey should be taken as an
lished its capitulations, established a new regime, and example (Fidan, 2019: 62- 73). After this visit, relations
rapidly developed and built a new capital. between the two countries developed rapidly and dele-
3 Sun Ke: 1911 He is the eldest son of Sun Yat Sen, the leader of the Chinese Revolution. Hu Hanmin was one of the most prominent leaders of the 33
Kuomintang who served Minister of Foreign Affairs, and President of the Legislative Council.
Welcoming Chinese Ambassador He Yao Zu in Istanbul. (Cumhuriyet Newspaper, 8 May 1935)
gation visits to observe Turkey increased. letters easier by correcting and standardizing them”
In the 1930s, China’s interest in the Turkish Revo- (Cumhuriyet, 1930: 2; 1930a: 2).
lution gradually increased. It is possible to understand The second official visit was the visit of the Chinese
this from the increase in the visits of the Chinese de- military delegation to Istanbul and Ankara on 17 Feb-
legations to examine the Turkish Revolution closely. ruary 1934 to observe the Turkish army. The delegati-
The first official visit was in 1930 by a Chinese military on consisted of Nanjing Military Academy comman-
delegation of three, consisting of General Vonk Moo der General Yang Shiyesin (Chih-Zhang Zhizhong
Song, Colonel Cenk Kay, and Pilot M. V. Chio. The de- 張治中), Colonel Huvang, Lieutenant Colonel Voo,
legation stated that “All of China follows the Turkish Captain Chen Soai Shiyeh, Lieutenant Tishan Loo,
youth and revolutions with great relevance and appre- and Clerk Tong. After conducting military studies
ciation”. It also stressed that “the Chinese intelligentsia in America and Europe, the delegation visited the
recognized and loved Mustafa Kemal as the greatest military barracks in Turkey (Cumhuriyet, 1934: 1-4;
saint”. The delegation was interested in revolutions, 1934a). The head of the delegation stated that they
especially the revolution of the Turkish alphabet and were very pleased to have the opportunity to get to
found observation very fruitful. It expressed “How know the young Republic better. He stated that his
China considered adopting Latin letters after Turkey views on the Turkish army were very important for
as the guide to the civilization of the East. However, China. In addition, the delegation was also accepted
in their review, they stated that it was not realistical- by Atatürk. The head of the delegation stated how
ly possible, so they worked to make reading the old
Turkey had made important revolutions in a short “appreciated the great achievements of the CHP, recal-
time and rose rapidly due to its valuable leader. He ling the critical condition China had before the War of
underlined his admiration for Atatürk in the develop- Independence, which is similar to the current situation
ment of Turkey and emphasized the lack of such a le- in China” (BCA, 1934BCA (1934). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.).
ader in the Chinese Revolution (Cumhuriyet, 1934b: In 1937, at the request of the League of Nations and
1-4; 1934e: 2). the Chinese government, Professor Pen came to obser-
China has given special attention to the study of the ve Turkey’s health and social organization. In his ob-
Turkish Revolution to sustain its economic, military, servations, Pen stated that it was essential for China to
and political development. On 14 June 1934, a dele- imitate Turkey, which showed significant development
gation of 4 people consisting of M. Chang, M. Farrai in its health and society. He stated the importance of
Chang, M. Z. D. Shu, and M. Shelley Love arrived. The Turkey having Atatürk as a leader, who directed the
delegation examined the Republican regime, its bene- civil and social revolutions after the liberation stru-
fits, working style, and system in Ankara to organize a ggle. According to Pen, Turkey was the only example
program that would strengthen China financially and for China (Cumhuriyet, 1937: 3).
morally. The head of the delegation stated that they vi-
sited the committee working in the Foreign Ministry Wang Pengsheng thought that the
in Nanjing to convey their examinations. The delegatirelations between the two states on leader stressed how Turkey was the most remarkabhad a long history and that both le country to undergo major revolutions and development during its examinations. He stated that Turkey states had gone through similar
is the country that they pay the most attention to. The difficulties.
chairman of the delegation emphasized that it is an im-
portant necessity to observe Turkey closely, which is Wang Pengsheng (王芃生), the undersecretary
embodied by a genius leader and valuable staff around of the Chinese Embassy in Ankara, thought that the
him. (Cumhuriyet, 1934c: 1-4; 1934d: 5). relations between the two states had a long history and
In October 1934, a military delegation consisting of that both states had gone through similar difficulties.
1 General (Sin Ju Tu), 2 Colonels, 2 Lieutenant Colo- He believed imperialist states wanted to suppress the
nel, and 1 Professor (Wu-Tang) came to examine the two nations, aligning their destiny. He noted that the
military developments in Turkey and Europe. The de- liberation and development of the Turkish nation un-
legation visited Istanbul Police School, Harbiye High der the leadership of Atatürk caused indescribable joy
School, War Academy, and Galatasaray High School in the whole of China and that Turkey’s development
and took a close interest in the Scouting organization. success in ten years was an important lesson in Chi-
Wu-Tang wrote a note in the school’s visiting book na as in other countries. For this reason, he suggested
about how they found the scout organization and es- that the Chinese press should discuss Turkish success
pecially its equipment to be excellent. The delegation frequently:
then continued its trips in Ankara (Akşam, 1934a: 7; “This success is the source of the great feeling of
1934b: 4; Cumhuriyet, 1934f: 2). Their telegram when friendship held by the Chinese state towards the Tur-
the Chinese military delegation left Turkey stated that kish nation. For China, Turkey’s development was a
great lesson to be benefited from. Therefore, it was de- its own way despite the ideologies of fascism and com-
cided that China should establish an embassy in Anka- munism. He outlined how success in Turkey was due
ra that was given more importance than the embassies to the successful execution of the constitution and the
in other countries.” separation of powers. He also noted that the stability
Pengsheng thought it would be a pleasure for the in Turkey’s rapid economic development was achieved
Turks to see the salvation of the Chinese by taking les- by reducing imports and through government incen-
sons from the Turks. Madam Wang, the wife of the tives for local production in industry and agriculture:
undersecretary, stated in her declaration that she was “This model of Turkey corresponds to the Three
very glad that the Turkish woman had won the right to Principles of the People. This proves how far-sighted
be elected, stating that she had been satisfied that this Sun Yat-Sen was. The Turkish model succeeded in
right had been in China since 1911. Embassy emplo- practice, and if this model was applied to China, the-
yee Nimetullah Ma (Beijing Muslim clerk) translated re would be prosperity in a short time” (Fidan, 2019:
Atatürk’s Speech, Ziya Gökalp’s principles of Turkism, 88-99).
and Ömer Seyfettin’s stories into Chinese (Cumhuri- At the same time, the election of China’s first
yet, 1935a: 1-9). ambassador to Turkey was carefully considered. He
Before He Yao Zu, China’s first Ambassador to Yao Zu was the most suitable candidate to take on
Turkey, came to Turkey, his leading questions were this important task at that time. He prepared a re-
as follows: “how Turkey developed a unique political port on “Turkey’s Revival History and Our Efforts
path between communism and fascism”, “how Tur- in the Country’s Difficult Times”. In this report, he
key’s parliament was able to continue its work without presented an analysis of China and Turkey’s history
turning into an autocracy despite being a single party”, and current situation, stressing the importance of
and “how Turkey developed economically in a short Turkey as a model for China. It showed that He Yao
time”. Zu and the embassy employees who went to Turkey
fulfilled their duties and played an important role in strengthening the communication between China
He Yao Zu and the embassy and Turkey. He Yao Zu and others had a deep un-
employees who went to Turkey derstanding of the Turkish Revolution and believed
had a deep understanding of the that China should learn from the experiences of the
Turkish Revolution and believed Turkish Revolution. Wang Pengsheng, the first sec-
retary of the Chinese Ambassador to Turkey, was a that China should learn from well-known historian. He outlined China and Tur-
the experiences of the Turkish key’s long and close friendly relationship since the
Revolution. of the Turkish nation 11th century BC to explain that Sino-Turkish rela-
under the leadership of Atatürk tions have not been interrupted since ancient times.
He brought many ancient Chinese books with him,
Firstly, He Yao Zu stated that the cultural and his- proving that the friendship between the two count-
torical depth of the Turks was effective in creating a ries has a long history. Consequently, the ancient
unique political path, even if other ideologies influ- Chinese books taken by the Turkish ambassador of
enced it. However, this influence was tempered by a China satisfied the desire of the stabilized Turkey to
deep-rooted historical heritage that created a strong discover the origin of the nation (Geng, 2013Geng (2013). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.).
nationalism that played an important role in finding
The visit of the Chinese Military Delegation to the Istanbul Police School. (Cumhuriyet Newspaper, 3 October 1934)
Turkey’s Interest in China revolution published in China (The New Turkey-Song
Su Shen and Kemal-Xing Moqing) were translated
Turkey also conducted political and academic studies into English and sent to the Atatürk corner in Izmir.
aimed at recognizing China. As relations improved In addition, the Turkish embassy translated the
between the two countries, the Faculty of Language Chinese Kuomintang party charter and the Chinese
and Geography of Ankara University was established Constitution and sent it to the CHP (Republican
(1935), and Sinology and Turkology studies were People’s Party) (BCA, 1942BCA (1942). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.; 1948). At the same time,
started. After the arrival of Wolfram Eberhard in the Chinese embassy also did similar work for the
Turkey in 1937, sinology studies in Turkey greatly Kuomintang on understanding the CHP.
expanded. Eberhard taught Sinology and history at the After the Sino-Japanese conflict in Manchuria, the
Faculty of Language Geography of Ankara University Turkish government prepared a 23-page report on the
between 1937 and 1948. In 1947, Eberhard’s book ’A subject. This report stated that China was the target
History of China’ was published. However, due to of the Japanese imperialists and that the capitulations
the cessation of bilateral relations after establishing offered by Japan to the Chinese government were the
the People’s Republic of China in 1949, the study of most terrible example of Japanese imperialism. The
Sinology in Turkey was disrupted. Turkish example was frequently cited regarding the
The Turkish embassy conducted several studies abolition of the capitulations in Manchuria, where
aimed at recognizing China and the Kuomintang. Two the nationalist movements in China increased daily.
of Eberhard’s books about Atatürk and the Turkish Furthermore, during the protests in which Japanese
goods were boycotted and the Japanese consulate was Conclusion
set in stone, university students held demonstrations
with the banner “Do not forget about the example of The most influential factor in the development of dip-
Turkey”. The goal of the Japanese imperialists was to lomatic relations between Turkey and China was the
seize China to dominate Central Asia (BCA, 1931BCA (1931). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.). issue of how the Turkish Revolution and the Chine-
In fact, a correspondence sent from the Turkish se Revolution had a similar character. Sun Yat-Sen’s Embassy in Warsaw stated that the Japanese were Three Principles of the People and Mustafa Kemal planning to use the Turkish and Muslim communities Atatürk’s Six Arrow program pioneered democratic in Asia against the Chinese and Soviets. In addition, revolutions in Asia. Particularly, Chinese intellectua Japanese map showing the Turkic communities in
Asia was also added to the correspondence (BCA, als’ interest in the rapid development and reforms of
1933). the Turkish Revolution helped to effectively establish
diplomatic relations with Turkey. The visits of Chine-
Turkish-Chinese relations between se military and diplomatic delegations to Turkey were
the clearest indication of this situation. China saw 1923 and 1949 were a period of Turkey as a role model country in development and friendship in which they strived to reforms. In addition, Turkey also considered China to
improve their knowledge of each be a peaceful country in the east and actively tried to
other. get to know China to strengthen relations.
Furthermore, employees of the Chinese embassy Japan’s imperialist goals were instrumental in in Ankara comprehended the historical depth of the encouraging the Turkish government to take a prorelations between Turkey and China and the Turkish Chinese stance. The Turkish government wanted Revolution. In Turkey, it seems that when bilateral rethe issue to be resolved peacefully and expressed its lations were strengthened, studies were carried out to discomfort that Japan pursued an imperialist policy. understand historical China by giving special atten- Turkey’s Bern Ambassadors Cemal Hüsnü Bey tion to Sinology and Turcology studies. At the same and Sivas Deputy Necmettin Sadık took part in the time, given that China was the target of Japanese imcommission formed by the League of Nations on the perialism and Turkey was fighting a war of indepen- Sino-Japanese conflict (BCA, 1932BCA (1932). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.). dence against imperialism made it easier for the two In addition, the Turkish press paid attention to countries to align. Turkey had a policy that supported China’s struggle for independence against Japanese China against imperialism in embassy reports and the imperialism. An article called “The Chinese Future of Turkish press. Despite the chaos of the Second World Chiang Kai-Shek” was published. Moreover, articles War and the civil war in China, the relations between on Chinese modernization and life between Turkey the two countries have since developed steadily. and China (Nadi, 1943: 1-4; Chiang, 1945:2) also Turkish-Chinese relations between 1923 and 1949 reflected this support (Cumhuriyet, 1935d: 7). The were a period of friendship in which they strived to fact that Turkey recognized the imperialist threat in improve their knowledge of each other. The relations- China and openly expressed its support for resisting hip between the two countries focused on solidarity it demonstrates the importance of uniting against against imperialism and mutually learning. imperialism in bilateral relations.
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