Key facts
- China has intensified its public relations efforts in Turkey.
- BYD has paused its planned electric vehicle plant investment in Turkey.
- Experts view China's PR efforts as a propaganda blitz.
- The campaign aims to counter negative sentiment and manage bilateral relations.
- The Uyghur issue is a significant factor influencing the PR strategy.
- The PR efforts are intended to manage perceptions following the investment setback.
China has significantly escalated its public relations operations in Turkey in the wake of BYD's decision to pause its planned electric vehicle (EV) plant investment. This intensified PR push is interpreted by experts as a strategic propaganda effort designed to counteract negative sentiment arising from the investment halt and to manage the broader bilateral relationship between the two nations. A key focus of this campaign appears to be addressing and mitigating concerns related to the Uyghur issue, which has been a point of contention and international scrutiny. The initiative seeks to present a positive image of China and its economic engagement with Turkey, despite the setback with BYD's substantial EV manufacturing project. The goal is to manage perceptions, both domestically within China and internationally, and to prevent the BYD situation from further damaging Sino-Turkish relations. This PR blitz is a direct response to the potential fallout from BYD's withdrawal, aiming to control the narrative and reassure stakeholders about China's commitment to its economic partnerships.