TURKEY’S decision to go for Chinese missiles has understandably caused concern among its Nato allies at a time when Ankara seems to be in the process of reviewing some of the basic postulates of its foreign policy. Even though the deal has not yet been finalised, the proposed purchase of 12 missile batteries involves a Chinese entity already under American sanctions for supplying missiles to Pakistan and Iran. Ankara says the Chinese firm outbid Western and Russian companies and accepted the Turkish conditions for co-production. Turkey already has American Patriot missiles on its soil, and Nato governments say the deal with China could compromise the compatibility of Nato weapons systems. Seen in a geopolitical context, the commercial deal with the Chinese entity underlines Ankara’s keenness to diversify and strengthen its economic and political relationships with nations outside its commitment to the Atlantic alliance and the European Community.

The procrastination over Turkey’s EU membership is a major source of irritation for Ankara in its relations with Europe. In fact, given the current mood in Europe, it is highly unlikely that Turkey will get full membership soon. Straddling Asia and Europe, Turkey is situated in a turbulent neighbourhood. The Middle East is in turmoil; Syria and Iraq, Turkey’s underbelly, are in the grip of anarchy, and relations with Israel have remained strained since the peace flotilla affair. Of late, with its economy doing well, Turkey has been asserting its role as a major player in the region. At the same time, Turkey cannot be oblivious to the gradual shift in the focus of economic and geopolitical power from the West to the east. Nato has lost its raison d’être and that explains Ankara’s search for new economic and political partners without diluting its commitment to Nato.