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The MC incorporates critical infrastructure projects such as the BTK railway, the Lapis Lazuli corridor, and regional port integrations. Projects like the Eurasia Tunnel, Istanbul Airport, the Filyos Port, and the Marmaray as examples of Türkiye's commitment to becoming a logistics hub. These efforts are complemented by cultural and diplomatic initiatives such as the Organization of Turkic States.
Türkiye also aims to strengthen transport links through Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Kazakhstan, connecting ports such as Baku and Aktau. These cross-border linkages, supported by multilateral frameworks, improve cargo flow efficiency and reduce dependency on unstable regions. However, bureaucratic hurdles, variable tariffs, and non-tariff barriers still hinder seamless transit.
While the Middle Corridor presents a promising alternative, challenges remain. Infrastructure bottlenecks, high transit costs, and fragmented customs procedures in Central Asia pose significant hurdles. Despite its strategic potential, the Middle Corridor faces significant challenges: infrastructural gaps, customs inefficiencies, and complex geopolitical dynamics. Fragmented cooperation among Central Asian countries and competition from both Northern and Southern routes add further pressure.
However, with the European Union seeking to reduce dependency on Russian trade routes, both Türkiye and China may find common ground in further developing this corridor. If successfully integrated into the Belt and Road framework, the Middle Corridor could redefine Eurasian trade for decades to come.
Furthermore, exaggerated expectations surrounding Chinese involvement may lead to disappointment unless institutional frameworks improve. Local political risks, especially after the coup attempt in 2016, also contribute to investment volatility.
Additionally, concerns about transparency and debt sustainability have emerged. While Türkiye has secured financing from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), reliance on external credit poses risks if investments do not generate anticipated returns. The uneven nature of project distribution and weak monitoring mechanisms may reduce long-term effectiveness.
Cultural integration has been a parallel dimension of the BRI-MC relationship. Confucius Institutes in Türkiye, Yunus Emre Centers in China, and mutual tourism years exemplify this. These initiatives promote soft power and people-to-people bonds essential for long-term cooperation.
Beyond symbolic gestures, academic and vocational training partnerships can deepen bilateral ties. For instance, technical training programs co-funded by Chinese firms and Turkish universities could enhance local capabilities and reduce dependence on foreign labor or know-how. So far, such initiatives remain underdeveloped.
Chinese foreign direct investment in Türkiye has remained modest compared to that from Western countries. While Türkiye has received some Chinese capital in sectors like energy and transportation, these investments are often characterized by a top-down approach and limited local integration. Unlike Africa and Southeast Asia, where Chinese firms pursue raw materials and infrastructure, or Europe, where the focus is on high-tech manufacturing and logistics, Türkiye has struggled to define a clear strategic role within the BRI framework. The scale and developmental impact of Chinese investments remain below expectations.
The Middle Corridor presents Türkiye with a chance to elevate its geoeconomic role by aligning with the BRI. It could shorten trade routes, boost regional ties, and support infrastructure goals. But for this potential to materialize, Türkiye must ensure regulatory clarity, address trade imbalances, and embrace technological cooperation.
Success hinges on aligning national ambitions with regional coordination and global investment. The Corridor could symbolize a fair, strategic partnership if built not just on roads and railways, but also on institutional strength, data transparency, and mutual trust. A cautious, coordinated optimism will be key to shaping the next chapter of China-Türkiye relations.
