Key facts
- China has increased its public relations activities in Turkey following the collapse of BYD's planned investment.
- BYD paused its Turkish plant construction in June, prioritizing European production.
- Turkey had granted BYD generous tax breaks on vehicle sales before the plant was built.
- BYD's sales in Turkey surged due to these incentives, potentially yielding $500m-$1bn in additional profits.
- Chinese embassy in Ankara is placing unsigned propaganda articles in pro-government media.
- A China-funded foundation organized a press junket for Turkish journalists to Xinjiang, focusing on positive narratives.
- China is engaging with Turkish opposition parties, particularly regarding the Uyghur issue.
China has significantly increased its public relations activities in Turkey following the negative publicity generated by BYD's decision to halt its planned electric vehicle plant investment in the country. The BYD situation was a considerable embarrassment for the Turkish government, which had offered substantial tax incentives to the company prior to the plant's construction. These incentives, combined with a new commercial strategy, led to a surge in BYD's sales in Turkey, with experts estimating the company may have earned between $500 million and $1 billion in additional profits due to these advantages.
One Turkish government consultant described the situation as China engaging in a "propaganda blitz" to counteract the damage to its image. The consultant also noted that Ankara had grown weary of Chinese negotiation tactics, which often involved creating an impression of agreement only to reopen talks with further demands.
Evidence of this public relations campaign includes unsigned propaganda articles placed by the Chinese embassy in Ankara in pro-government media outlets, emphasizing the strong ties between the Chinese Communist Party and Turkey's ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP). The embassy has also promoted the launch of Volume Five of Xi Jinping: The Governance of China.
Nurettin Akcay, an academic specializing in Chinese affairs, stated that the BYD crisis contributed to negative sentiment towards China in Turkey. He noted that while China's public diplomacy activities have increased quantitatively, such efforts have been ongoing for a long time, including invitations to journalists and opinion leaders to visit China.
The relationship between Turkey and China has been strained, particularly over the Uyghur issue. Despite Turkey's efforts to minimize media coverage of Uyghur suffering to secure Chinese investment, promised investments in electric vehicle plants by BYD and Chery have yet to materialize.
Akcay's critical reporting on China has led to scrutiny, with his alma mater, Shanghai University, requesting he cease referencing his PhD completion there. He believes China is focusing on "elite engagement," showcasing a curated image of the country.
Recently, the Turkey-China Friendship Foundation, a Chinese state-funded entity, organized an eight-day press junket for Turkish journalists from opposition media outlets to the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. The resulting reports focused on "terrorist" attacks and China's integration efforts, rather than allegations of mistreatment of Uyghurs, mirroring language used in official Chinese narratives.
Human Rights Watch has reported on China's continued ideological controls and forced assimilation of Tibetans and Uyghurs, with no accountability for alleged crimes against humanity in Xinjiang. Akcay commented that such visits present a positive picture without the full context.
China's influence efforts have also extended to opposition parties in Turkey, including the New Welfare Party and the Turkish nationalist Victory Party. Akcay believes China is cultivating relations with these parties to minimize domestic criticism within Turkey and prevent radical counter-campaigns.