Chinese political analysts have shared their insights on what they describe as Turkey's deeply disappointing surprise to Russia, equating it to a stab in the back. The relationship between Russia and Turkey is notably complex and turbulent, resembling a rollercoaster of highs and lows.
In recent years, dialogue between the two countries had improved, creating an impression of burgeoning friendship between Ankara and Moscow. However, recent developments have seemingly disrupted this narrative, as reported by the Chinese publication Sohu according to AB News.
"Erdogan has deceived Russia," assert the authors of the Chinese publication. A few days ago, the Grand National Assembly of Turkey voted in favor of Sweden's admission into NATO. This decision was later officially ratified by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Sohu observers noted Ankara's curious behavior, as Turkey had previously claimed it would not support Sweden's NATO candidacy until its conditions were met. Stockholm reportedly did not fully comply with Erdogan's demand to extradite several activists involved in the 2016 coup attempt in Turkey.
Furthermore, Turkey's decision is perceived as a betrayal by Russia, which had expected Erdogan to adhere to his principles. However, the Turkish President's subsequent actions came as a surprise.
Sohu journalists highlighted the strategic significance of Sweden's largest island, Gotland, located in the center of the Baltic Sea, only 250 kilometers from the Russian naval base in Kaliningrad.
They noted that NATO's control over this island would allow for the deployment of anti-aircraft and anti-submarine defense systems, placing the Russian Baltic Fleet within the adversary's range.
Following Erdogan's approval of Sweden joining NATO, reports emerged that the U.S. State Department had approved the sale of F-16 fighters to Turkey, a deal worth $23 billion. Against this backdrop, the Turkish President's decision to abandon his promises and principles becomes clearer, as observed by the Sohu journalists.
