An analysis of Chinese production and financial networks in the Turkish economy

This thesis employs the networked structure within the Global Economic Networks (GENs) framework to examine China's position in Turkish production and financial networks. Analyzing bilateral export/import and investment data further argues that China's elevated position in GENs since its opening-up process is preceded by its increasing activity in the global production network, then assisted by the accelerated presence of Chinese financial entities in global financial networks. In this regard, the study employs Sino-Turkish bilateral trade relations as a case study to test whether the entry of Chinese financial institutions into the Turkish market trigger an increase in activity in Chinese production networks. The thesis searches mainly for the structural link made possible by the manufacturing network, facilitating the synergy between production and financial activities. In this regard, the main questions of the study are: "How does manufacturing industry assist China's development within the GEN framework?" "What is the integration between GPNs and GFNs for China within its "opening-up" strategy since Deng Xiaoping?" and "What role do Chinese financial institutions play in this integration?" Answering these questions, the study concludes that the Chinese manufacturing network demonstrates a robust profile with its increasing export performance to Turkey. Additionally, the study finds that Chinese financial entities contribute to this profile by providing funding support such as credit and loans or intermediary services to coordinate acquisitions.