Report: China Launches Public Relations Campaign in Turkey After BYD Factory Project Stalls
China has reportedly launched a large-scale public relations campaign in Turkey aimed at improving the image of both Beijing and Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD, following the suspension of the company’s planned production facility in the country.
According to Middle East Eye, the campaign involves providing financial support to prominent Turkish social media influencers and public figures to promote positive narratives about China and BYD after disappointment over the halted investment.
The report says the Turkish government had made significant efforts to attract BYD’s investment, offering the company generous incentives, including tax breaks and other financial benefits for the sale of its electric vehicles in the Turkish market, even before construction of the planned factory had begun.
However, BYD later suspended the project, reportedly choosing instead to prioritize expanding its manufacturing operations in Europe.
Despite the factory project being put on hold, BYD remained one of Turkey’s fastest-growing electric vehicle brands. According to the report, the company sold more than 45,000 vehicles in Turkey during 2025, benefiting from government incentives and tax reductions that were estimated to be worth around $1 billion.
The decision to delay the investment reportedly damaged BYD’s reputation in Turkey, with criticism emerging from some consumers and commentators who argued that Ankara had invested considerable political and economic capital in attracting the project.
In response, Middle East Eye claims that Beijing has intensified efforts to improve public perceptions of China and BYD in Turkey through media engagement, social media campaigns, and partnerships with influential Turkish personalities.
The claims have been reported by Middle East Eye. Chinese authorities and BYD have not publicly confirmed the existence of such a coordinated public relations campaign.