Turkey’s row with China over Uygurs unlikely to affect relations in long term, analysts say
- Initial outcry from Ankara possibly driven by political pressure as elections loom in Eurasian country
- Beijing does not want to alienate Turkey as it plays a key role in its ‘belt and road’ infrastructure development plan
Turkey’s stinging criticism of China’s treatment of Uygurs caught Beijing flat-footed, but it is unlikely to mar relations between the two countries as mutual interest will prevail, diplomatic observers said.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Ankara hit out at China on Sunday for sending Uygurs in the western region of Xinjiang to “concentration camps”. It said the policy was a “great embarrassment for humanity” and cited the alleged death of Uygur musician Abdurehim Heyit.
“The ministry’s statement on the Uygur issue was unexpectedly strong after such a very long time,” said Selcuk Colakoglu, the director of the Turkish Centre for Asia-Pacific Studies in Ankara.
Beijing is facing increasing pressure from the United Nations and Western governments over Xinjiang, where nearly 1 million ethnic Uygur Muslims are reported to be held. China called the centres “re-education camps” and said they were part of measures to fight terrorism.
China said Ankara’s comments were “vile” and published a video apparently showing Abdurehim Heyit was alive. It also issued a travel alert to Chinese citizens resident in or planning to visit Turkey.