Turkey's role in the context of one belt and one road initiative

Deng Xiaoping initiated the globalization process by opening the Chinese economy to capitalism with the socialist market economy system as a result of the "Reform and Opening Out" policies he carried out in 1978. After the 2008 global financial crisis, significant changes were experienced in the world economy and the global balance of power was reshaped. After the 2008 crisis, the legitimacy of the US-led global system began to be questioned. On the other hand, in this process, China has managed to get out of the crisis with minimal damage, thanks to its economic growth and economic relations with other countries, and has become a major actor in world trade. China has followed more active strategies in economic, commercial, military and cultural fields within the framework of the "Chinese Dream" vision put forward by Xi Jinping, who took office in 2012, and with alternative institutionalization moves such as BRICS New Development Bank, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and Belt and Road Initiative. It has revealed its intention to become the global hegemonic power of the 21st century. The Belt and Road Initiative, which is an important argument for the uninterrupted connection of the Chinese economy to the rich energy resources of the Middle East and Africa and to the European markets, contains deep political goals as well as being an economic and commercial project for China. The Middle Corridor Initiative, which is the most convenient route for China to reach the Middle East and Europe by land and rail in terms of security and time, increases Turkey's geopolitical and geographical importance. Turkey will be among the countries that will benefit from the initiative if it ensures the viability of the "win-win" strategy. However, first of all, the risks posed by the initiative for Turkey should be identified and resolved. In this context, it is aimed to evaluate the possible effects of the Belt and Road Initiative on Turkey-China relations. Examining the opportunities and risks after this evaluation is important in terms of providing solutions. On the other hand, the study is also important in terms of being a source for future studies and contributing to the literature. Keywords: Belt and Road Initiative, Turkey-China Relations Date: 02.08.2023