Recently, Turkish Ambassador to China Abdulkadir Amy Onun said when expanding the partnership of homeland security: “2021 is the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Turkey. China and Turkey use this as an opportunity to make The Intermediate Corridor project is aligned with the Belt and Road Initiative to strengthen close cooperation between the two parties."

China Railway Express

Turkey is located at the crossroads between Europe and Asia and is an important partner in the construction of the Belt and Road Initiative. In December 2020, the first freight train from Turkey to China arrived in Xi'an, a city in northwestern China, fully loaded with cargo. As freight trains play a vital role in stabilizing the international logistics supply chain, the railway connection between China and Europe becomes particularly important during the COVID-19 period.

The first export freight train from Istanbul to Xi'an via the intermediate corridor took only 12 days. The current goal is to start one train from two places each week. The opening of freight trains provides a window for both parties to strengthen contact and prevent disconnection in the supply chain. This also shows the importance of connecting the Intermediate Corridor project with the Belt and Road Initiative.

Friends in adversity

At present, Turkey has begun mass vaccination against China. At the same time, Turkey is developing a vaccine. The two countries are developing relevant cooperation.

Abdulkadir Amy Onun said: "With the surge of COVID-19 worldwide, Turkey and China are cooperating well in vaccine development to ensure their accessibility and affordability. Regarding the economy, I am deeply impressed by China’s rapid economic recovery and believe that China has a very endogenous power. After COVID-19, China-Turkey bilateral relations will expand."

The One Belt One Road initiative proposed by China is based on a dual circulation and innovation-driven development strategy. China is a large economy with strong endogenous forces. Editor/Tian Zengpeng