Türkiye - China Steady And Growing Ties
Commemorating the remarkable milestone of their 50-year diplomatic journey in 2021, the Republic of Türkiye and the People’s Republic of China (PRC) have not only fostered enduring political ties but have also cultivated a dynamic economic partnership that continues to flourish. This collaboration is exemplified by Chinese investments, which have surged to an impressive total of approximately $5.11 billion across a spectrum of sectors, including energy, infrastructure, logistics, finance, diving, telecommunications, and even livestock. What began as a modest trade volume of $1 billion in the year 2000 has burgeoned into a substantial $23 billion by 2018, echoing the deepening economic interdependence and robust bilateral trade between these two nations.
The strategic importance of Türkiye in China's expansive Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) cannot be overstated, and this significance has been further underscored by strategic investments such as the acquisition of 51% ownership in the Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge by a consortium of Chinese entities. Serving as a pivotal link connecting Europe and Asia via Istanbul, this bridge not only enhances trade and connectivity but symbolizes the bridge between the two nations themselves.
Solidifying their alliance, Türkiye and China have entered into 11 bilateral agreements that span a broad spectrum of strategic domains, including trade, transportation, banking, energy, and healthcare. These agreements stand as testament to the shared vision of growth, prosperity, and mutual respect that underpins their relationship. The year 2021 witnessed China's elevation to the status of Türkiye's second-largest trade partner, a remarkable feat that speaks to the depth of their commercial ties and mutual benefit.
In the realm of nuclear energy, a compelling chapter unfolds as Türkiye engages in discussions with China for the development of its planned 3rd nuclear plant. This endeavor is anchored by the Agreement for Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy, inked on 9 April 2012 and ratified on 2 September 2016, between the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of Türkiye. This landmark agreement highlights their commitment to sustainable energy solutions and underscores the depth of their technological and scientific collaboration.
Türkiye aims have a nuclear-installed power of over 20,000 MW by the 2050s. This will include a combination of large-scale power plants and SMRs, which are vital for transforming the Turkish energy industry. Construction of the 4 VVER units are well underway and the project aims to be fully commissioned by 2028. Türkiye is accelerating efforts to establish the planned second nuclear power plant in Sinop, along with a third plant in the Thrace region in the northwest. Planning is already underway for the next two proposed nuclear power plants.
Looking ahead, both Türkiye and China remain committed to deepening their collaboration. Fueled by government incentives, this partnership is poised to explore even greater vistas of opportunity, further bolstering economic, cultural, and diplomatic exchanges. As they celebrate their past achievements and continue to sow the seeds of future cooperation, the Türkiye-China partnership serves as an inspiring model of international camaraderie and shared progress, igniting optimism for what lies ahead on this transformative journey of collaboration.
Türkiye’s current & future nuclear power programs will be discussed during the Türkiye NBP 2023 conference and exhibition which will take place 6-8 November in Antalya. This industry meeting is hosted by Nükleer Teknik Destek Anonim Şirketi (NÜTED A.Ş.). An exclusive technical site-visit to the Akkuyu nuclear plant site is also scheduled as part of Türkiye NBP 2023
For more information and to download the detailed meeting agenda visit - www.nuclearbusiness-platform.com/turkiye/tnbp-2023
