ANKARA – China and Turkey have launched fresh talks on military
cooperation that have included prospective arms deals.
Turkish officials said the two countries have resumed talks regarding
military cooperation. They said the cooperation could include training and
joint exercises as well as the Turkish purchase of Chinese military systems,
including missiles and satellites.
Turkish Air Force commander Gen. Ibrahim Firtina, accompanied by a
delegation, has been discussing military cooperation in China. Firtina, who
last held talks in Beijing in 2003, said his visit to Beijing was meant to
develop military ties between the two countries.
Firtina has met the Chinese Chief of Staff Gen. Liang Guanglie as well
as other military commanders. Firtina and his delegation, who also met
Chinese Air Force commander Gen. Qiao Qingchen, plan to remain in China
until April 7.
Turkish media reports said Firtina expressed interest in Chinese
anti-aircraft systems and cooperation in space technology. The reports
Firtina wanted to examine Chinese-origin medium-range surface-to-air
missiles.
"We should cooperate on several issues, including launching satellites,"
Firtina said.
For his part, Qingchen said China could benefit from Turkey's military
experience. Turkey is a member of NATO and participates in numerous
Western-led multi-national missions.
The United States has been monitoring Turkish military cooperation talks
with China, a Western diplomat said. The diplomat said the Bush
administration wants Turkey to avoid arms deals or military cooperation with
Beijing as part of U.S. efforts to maintain the European Union arms embargo
on China.
The military cooperation talks come as Turkey seeks to increase trade
with and investment in China. In the first stage, Turkey plans to increase
exports of chemicals and steel as well as transfer production of these
products to China.
