- , Offers Europe a Strategic Alternative to Russian Routes
Ankara (Agencies): China is reportedly planning a $60 billion investment to modernize Turkey’s railway infrastructure, a move that could provide European freight shippers with an alternative to bypass Russia amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. The initiative, part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), seeks to enhance connectivity between Europe and Asia.
Burak Daglioglu, president of Turkey’s governmental promotion office, Invest in Turkey, disclosed details of the proposal to the South China Morning Post. The plan includes electrifying existing rail lines, constructing new domestic routes, a bridge in Istanbul, and a high-speed rail link between Istanbul and Ankara.
Turkey, an early supporter of the BRI, signed a memorandum of understanding with China in 2015 to align its Middle Corridor Initiative with Beijing’s global infrastructure ambitions. This collaboration underscores Turkey’s strategic importance as a bridge between continents.
China’s state-owned CRRC Zhuzhou Electric Locomotive, which operates a factory in Turkey and introduced Istanbul’s fastest metro train last year, is expected to play a key role in the upgrades. Other contractors will also be invited to bid in an open tender process set to begin soon.
Daglioglu emphasized China’s interest, stating, “They are interested in the projects. As long as they are offering a competitive bid on the tender, they are welcome to join. There is huge potential for railway investments.”
In addition to rail projects, China is exploring investments in Turkey’s technology, electric vehicles, and energy sectors. By mid-2024, Chinese investments in Turkey had reached $6 billion, spanning 1,300 companies.
- Turkey’s Strategic Role in Eurasian Trade
Turkey aims to position itself as a central hub for Eurasian trade, particularly as Europe seeks alternatives to Russian routes for rail freight. The Middle Corridor, stretching from China through Central Asia, the Caspian Sea, the southern Caucasus, and Turkey to Europe, offers a shorter and potentially more reliable route compared to the Northern Corridor through Russia and Belarus.
Despite its strategic advantages, Turkey’s rail infrastructure remains a weak link in the broader China-Europe network, according to Jayant Menon, a senior fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute. He warned that disruptions in Turkey’s network could undermine the entire system.
Currently, over 90% of China-Europe rail traffic depends on the Northern Corridor through Russia. However, sanctions and counter-sanctions have complicated this route. While Russian authorities continue to facilitate transit cargo, capacity constraints on Russian railways have heightened interest in the Middle Corridor.
- Tourism and Cultural Collaboration
Beyond infrastructure, tourism has become a focal point of China-Turkey collaboration. In 2024, 300,000 Chinese tourists visited Turkey, a modest increase from 2023 but still below pre-pandemic figures. Ankara is working to strengthen ties with Chinese provinces to attract more visitors and foster cultural exchanges.
“We would like to grow our collaboration in the tourism and cultural activities fields as well,” Daglioglu stated.
As Turkey advances its rail infrastructure and economic partnerships with China, the nation seeks to solidify its role as a vital trade and cultural hub linking Europe and Asia.