THE MEETING OF THE CRESCENT AND THE DRAGON: POST-COLD WAR SINO-TURKISH RIVALRY AND COOPERATION IN CENTRAL ASIA AND THE MIDDLE EAST

Summary/Abstract: This study examines growing and diversifying political, economic and military relations between Turkey and China in the post-Cold War period. Chinese interest and activity in the regions of Central Asia, and Middle East have risen strikingly in the last ten years concomitant to its impressive economic success, strengthening military power and elevating diplomatic influence. These regions are also of interest to Turkey, which is aspiring to position itself as a regional powerhouse in its immediate neighbourhood. These two actors, an emerging superpower and the ambitious and willing middle power; no matter competed in Central Asia and Middle East and were at odds with each other regarding Xinjiang issue, have managed to raise profile in bilateral political, economic and military interaction. This paper traces the details of this promising and ascending relationship which is a new phenomenon in the post-Cold War international environment.

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