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| Turkey forging strategic relations with ChiComs on multiple levels |
| 2005-06-12 |
| From Geostrategy-Direct, EFL, subscription req'd. A flurry of high-level Turkish delegations to China this year are among the indications the two nations are significantly increasing security cooperation. The increased security relationship was part of a decision by Ankara and Beijing to forge strategic cooperation, Turkish officials said. This cooperation would encompass defense and military ties as well as joint industrial projects. So how can we be allies with Turkey when they can take our intel and weapons systems (inc. NATO) and pass it along to the ChiComs?China has expressed interest in procuring advanced technology from Turkey, particularly in the area of electronic warfare, they said, while Turkey has sought to purchase medium-range air defense systems from China. Against whom will they use them? The Greeks?Turkish Gendarmerie Commander Gen. Fevzi Turkeri has been touring China and meeting with the nation's security chiefs to discuss joint projects for next year. Officials said Turkeri, who met Chinese Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan, has sought to begin joint police training, exercises, intelligence sharing and joint investigations. [*snip*] "We have always emphasized the importance of international cooperation against global crimes threatening humanity such as organized crime and drug smuggling," Turkeri said. Nice cover, Turkeri. You have all the buzzwords covered. The Turkish commander said the militaries of China and Turkey have been growing closer since 1999. Turkeri predicted that military relations would reach a "much improved level." Earlier this year, Turkish Defense Minister Vecdi Gonul and air force commander Gen. Ibrahim Firtina visited China and discussed arms sales. In late May, Chinese Chief of Staff, Gen. Liang Guanglie visited Turkey and reviewed similar issues. On June 12, Turkish President Ahmet Sezer was scheduled to begin a state visit to China. Sezer's schedule has not yet been released. |
| Posted by:Alaska Paul |
| #3 Of course, they won't get subsidies... or voting rights... but still... |
| Posted by: Phil Fraering 2005-06-12 21:44 |
| #2 LOL and Yep. |
| Posted by: Shipman 2005-06-12 19:59 |
| #1 Hey, I'll be willing to bet, that the Chinese will be a lot more willing to let Turkey join with China than with the EU... |
| Posted by: Phil Fraering 2005-06-12 17:57 |