If we say that automobile production is the heart of the Western world, it wouldn't be an exaggeration. The fact that the mass production concept was invented by American Henry Ford and then adapted to all other sectors is the best indicator of this. On the other hand, Western dominance is also evident in areas such as fuel production-distribution and tires. The situation that has been going on since the beginning of industrialization and solidified with World Wars is now rapidly reversing; now,
If we say that automobile production is the heart of the Western world, it wouldn't be an exaggeration. The fact that the mass production concept was invented by American Henry Ford and then adapted to all other sectors is the best indicator of this. On the other hand, Western dominance is also evident in areas such as fuel production-distribution and tires. The situation that has been going on since the beginning of industrialization and solidified with World Wars is now rapidly reversing; now, China produces electric cars that compete with the entire West. But what's more important for us is...
There are several reasons for China's leadership in this sector. The first is its ability to close the gap with the West in basic sciences, thus moving beyond "innovation" to the "invention" process. However, if it didn't have a market where it could reduce the cost of doing this with economies of scale, it couldn't be expected to be such a hegemonic power.
A massive marketplace for electric vehicles in China.
According to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, electric vehicle sales in China increased by 80% in 2022, reaching 5.36 million vehicles and accounting for about 20% of all new car sales in the country.
Competition with Chinese manufacturers is intensifying.
According to research firm MarkLines, while passenger car sales in China amounted to 23.56 million units in 2022, Chinese brands accounted for 50.7% of these sales, an increase of 5.2 percentage points compared to the previous year. In other words, China, which started as a low-profit subcontracting center, has now regained its market with its own brands.
New battleground: Electric cars
China's dominance in the transition to electric vehicles is the latest source of geopolitical tension with the United States and Europe.
The European Union, just a couple of weeks ago, launched an investigation into the subsidies provided by the Chinese government to electric cars, which it said had flooded the EU market, thus escalating tensions.
Although the EU has tried to pursue a dialogue-based relationship with China rather than the US, this move will lead to a common front between the US, which started a trade war against the EU and China, and the EU.
How is China's production power in the new industry?
According to the International Energy Agency, the country processes more than half of the world's lithium, more than two-thirds of cobalt, more than 70% of graphite, and nearly a third of nickel.
The country has approximately 70% of the world's cathode (the part that accepts electrons of the cell) production capacity, more than 80% of anodes (the part that releases electrons during discharge), and more than half of electrolyte and separator production. These parts come together to form a lithium-ion battery.
China, the largest economy in Asia, has a significant power despite its weak hand in mineral supply (it is trying to strengthen its ties with Africa and South America) and makes global car manufacturers dependent on Chinese partners at some point.
Ignoring the East and trying to create a New World is not possible!
We are entering a period in which we need to read the East, from its proximity to its far reaches, as a whole. It is no longer possible for the West to ignore regions such as Russia, the Middle East, the Caucasus, Afghanistan, which are rich in minerals, as well as China, the giant that creates new technology, and to establish a new world. Although the West takes steps to not give up its superiority, this will only lead to a balance in which the superiority that will be lost will approach balance for a while.
Türkiye should, at this point, transform its relationship with China into a playground beyond the scope of the West and use us as a factor of kinship that goes beyond the Uyghur issue.
Especially foreign policy makers who fear the wrath of the conservative segment, particularly because of the Uyghur issue, should be bolder on this matter and focus on a transparent, collaborative, win-win policy with China.
China's investments in South Korea to bypass possible Western sanctions are a great model for Türkiye. Using the same example of South Korea, China's investments can be quickly attracted to our country by focusing on customs union and geographical proximity with the EU.
China can also be a good address for financial collaborations. In fact, China's recent instability, especially after the hostility with the United States, may encourage it to establish a pragmatic relationship with Türkiye.
Furthermore, with every step taken jointly by China and Türkiye, progress in the customs union agreement, which the EU has been dragging its feet on, would become more possible.
Do you think the West would ever care about the Uyghur issue if Türkiye and China getting closer wasn't so significant for the world?
After visits to the Gulf and the United States, why shouldn't there be a presidential-level visit to the People's Republic of China?
For those who believe, there is ease in difficulties...
