Between Strategic Ambiguity and Pragmatic Alignment: The Evolution of Türkiye—China Relations in a Multipolar World

Öterbülbül S.

ASIAN JOURNAL OF MIDDLE EASTERN AND ISLAMIC STUDIES, cilt.20, ss.1-22, 2026 (ESCI)

Özet

This article highlights the historical trajectory of relations between the Republic of Türkiye and the People’s Republic of China. The study demonstrates the periods of rupture during the 20th century and assesses the significance of the post-1971 relations. The research question asks how the direction and nature of Türkiye—China relations have been shaping within an evolving multipolar world order. The analysis structured around two core analytical arguments: strategic ambiguity and pragmatic alignment. Strategic ambiguity constrains the deepening of bilateral cooperation due to persistent, albeit implicit, silent mistrust. In contrast, pragmatic alignment enables cooperation, particularly within multilateral frameworks and international organisations. These dynamics of silent mistrust and cooperation extend beyond bilateral relations. The interaction has to be understood within the broader regional and global policy orientations of both countries. The article ultimately argues that strategic ambiguity and pragmatic alignment are interrelated dynamics that simultaneously generate challenges of silent mistrust and opportunities for cooperation.