6th China-Türkiye Communication Forum held in Istanbul

The 6th China-Türkiye Communication Forum was held in Istanbul on Nov. 12 under the theme "Building Consensus on Global Governance and Creating a Shared Future for China and Türkiye." 

Nearly 100 participants attended the event, including senior representatives from government agencies, think tanks, universities, media organizations, and business associations from both countries. Among them were Chang Bo, president of China International Communications Group (CICG); Jiang Xuebin, Chinese ambassador to Türkiye; Wei Xiaodong, Chinese consul general in Istanbul; Nadir Alpaslan, deputy minister of culture and tourism of Türkiye; and Yasemin Gebeş, board member of Turkuvaz Media Group.

Chang Bo, president of China International Communications Group (CICG), delivers remarks at the 6th China-Türkiye Communication Forum in Istanbul, Nov. 12, 2025. [Photo/CICG]

In his remarks, Chang noted that the friendship between China and Türkiye is rooted in centuries of exchanges along the ancient Silk Road, which has long served as a bridge between civilizations. He said that under the guidance of the two countries' leaders, bilateral relations have maintained strong momentum and continued to move forward. He added that China is pursuing a higher level of openness and is ready to share development opportunities with countries including Türkiye. In the face of a complex and evolving international environment, the two sides should further strengthen political trust, enhance coordination on global governance, deepen economic and investment cooperation, and expand people-to-people exchanges to strengthen long-term mutual understanding, Chang said.

Jiang Xuebin, Chinese ambassador to Türkiye, delivers remarks at the 6th China-Türkiye Communication Forum in Istanbul, Nov. 12, 2025. [Photo/CICG]

Jiang remarked that as major developing economies, China and Türkiye share broad common interests in upholding the purposes and principles of the U.N. Charter, promoting fairness and justice, and advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. With the 55th anniversary of diplomatic ties approaching next year, Jiang said he hopes the two countries will further enhance political trust, expand practical cooperation in various fields, and contribute to global peace and stability.

Nadir Alpaslan, deputy minister of culture and tourism of Türkiye, delivers remarks at the 6th China-Türkiye Communication Forum in Istanbul, Nov. 12, 2025. [Photo/CICG]

Alpaslan spoke on the long history of exchanges between Türkiye and China. He noted that Türkiye's Middle Corridor initiative aligns closely with China's Belt and Road Initiative. He said Türkiye attaches great importance to its relations with China and looks forward to strengthening cooperation in tourism, culture and other fields.

Yasemin Gebeş, board member of Turkuvaz Media Group, delivers remarks at the 6th China-Türkiye Communication Forum in Istanbul, Nov. 12, 2025. [Photo/CICG]

Gebeş highlighted that the Turkish edition of China Today magazine published in partnership with CICG, has been circulated in Türkiye for 13 years and become an important platform for cultural exchange. She said the magazine has helped Turkish audiences gain a clearer understanding of China and supported media collaboration between the two countries. She expressed interest in expanding cooperation in digital publishing and content co-creation, noting that sustainable prosperity requires joint efforts and that effective global governance relies on collective wisdom.

Participants from China and Türkiye exchange views at the 6th China-Türkiye Communication Forum in Istanbul, Nov. 12, 2025. [Photo/CICG] 

Experts at the forum echoed the view that China and Türkiye share a solid basis for cooperation through their historical ties and common Global South identity. They said the two sides can further expand connectivity, trade, and cultural exchange while strengthening coordination and collaboration to support a fairer global governance system.

During the forum, CICG's Center for Europe and Africa and the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at Türkiye's Boğaziçi University signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly conduct research on the preservation of China-Türkiye intangible cultural heritage. A China-themed book exhibition was also held, showcasing more than 200 titles on politics, economy, culture, and social development to Turkish readers.

The forum was co-sponsored by CICG, the Chinese Embassy in Türkiye, the Chinese Consulate General in Istanbul, and Turkuvaz Media Group. It was jointly organized by CICG's Center for Europe and Africa (China Today magazine) and Turkuvaz Press and Publishing Ltd, with support from CICG's Foreign Languages Press and China International Book Trading Corporation.