Istanbul – As begins, Turkey finds itself navigating a complex foreign policy landscape, marked by a pronounced divergence in its responses to international crises. While Ankara has consistently positioned itself as a leading advocate for the Palestinian cause, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, its stance on the plight of the Uyghur population in China’s Xinjiang region remains markedly muted. This disparity has prompted scrutiny of Turkey’s foreign policy priorities and the factors influencing its diplomatic choices.
The visible display of solidarity with Palestinians has been particularly striking. On , hundreds of thousands of protestors converged on Istanbul’s Galata Bridge for the third consecutive year to demonstrate against the war in Gaza. The rally, organized by the Humanity Alliance and the National Will Platform, drew participation from over 400 civil society organizations, many with close ties to the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP). This public outpouring of support underscores the deep emotional and political resonance of the Palestinian issue within Turkey.
However, this fervent advocacy is not mirrored in Turkey’s approach to the situation in Xinjiang. Despite shared Turkic and Muslim heritage with the Uyghur people, Ankara has significantly scaled back its public criticism of China’s policies in the region. This shift has raised questions about the balance between Turkey’s ideological commitments and its pragmatic economic and geopolitical interests.
The reasons behind this divergence are multifaceted. Economic ties with China have become increasingly important for Turkey, particularly as it seeks to diversify its trade relationships and attract foreign investment. China is a major trading partner, and Turkey is wary of jeopardizing these economic benefits through strong public condemnation of its policies in Xinjiang. This economic calculation appears to be a primary driver of Turkey’s more cautious approach.
Geopolitical considerations also play a significant role. Turkey’s relationship with Russia is complex and strategically important. China and Russia share close ties, and Turkey likely assesses that overly critical rhetoric towards China could potentially strain its relationship with Moscow. Maintaining a degree of neutrality on the Uyghur issue may be seen as a way to avoid further complicating an already delicate geopolitical balancing act.
The situation facing Uyghurs in Xinjiang is dire. Reports from international organizations, including the United Nations, detail widespread human rights abuses, including mass detentions, forced labor, forced sterilization, and the suppression of religious and cultural practices. The persecution of Uyghurs, Kazakhs, Kyrgyz, and other Turkic Muslims began intensifying around , with the establishment of what the Chinese government describes as “vocational skills education and training centers.” However, these centers have been widely condemned as re-education camps designed to erase Uyghur identity and enforce political loyalty.
Recent reports indicate that the situation for Uyghurs seeking refuge in Turkey is also becoming more precarious. A report published in November by Human Rights Watch details how Uyghurs in Turkey are increasingly being subjected to “restriction codes,” limiting their access to international protection and essential services. This suggests a growing pressure from China on Turkey to curtail support for Uyghur émigrés.
The case of a Uyghur woman wrongly deported from Germany to China further highlights the vulnerability of Uyghurs and the potential consequences of inadequate international protection. This incident, reported by VisaHQ, underscores the risks faced by Uyghurs even when seeking asylum in countries outside of China.
The contrast between Turkey’s vocal support for Palestinians and its relative silence on the Uyghur issue raises fundamental questions about the principles guiding its foreign policy. While Turkey frames its advocacy for Palestinians as a moral imperative, its response to the Uyghur crisis suggests that strategic considerations often outweigh ideological commitments. This duality challenges the narrative of a consistently ‘principled’ foreign policy and highlights the complex calculations that underpin Turkey’s engagement with the international community.
The implications of Turkey’s approach extend beyond the immediate concerns of the Uyghur population. It also raises broader questions about the effectiveness of international efforts to address human rights abuses and the willingness of states to prioritize economic and geopolitical interests over moral obligations. As Turkey continues to assert its role as a regional power, its foreign policy choices will be closely watched by both its allies and its adversaries.
