Growing Turkey- IRI-China ties worry Israel and US

Growing trilateral ties between Turkey, Islamic Republic of Iran and China has made Israel and U.S. concerned and the duo is watching with concern the growing military cooperation among the three Asian powerhouses, especially following a joint Turkish-Chinese air-force exercise last week.

Until two years ago Israel was Turkey's main partner for air combat training and the Israel Air Force was a frequent guest in Turkey's sky and a regular participant in the country's big annual exercise, Anatolian Eagle.

In the wake of a Zionist carnage in Gaza dubbed ‘Operation Cast Lead’ by the killer regime of Israel, the page turned and Turkey last year revoked Israel's participation in such war games.

Turkey replaced the Israel Air Force with its Chinese counterpart. China sent Sukhoi SU-27 fighter aircraft and pilots to train with Turkey's F-16 fighters. In the past these exercises were held in relatively openness, but last week they were held covertly so as to keep the new enemy, Israel, in dark over the case. Only a brief report appeared in the Turkish media after the exercise.

The West has been watching the changes in the Chinese army's structure, and especially the long-range naval and aerial exercises that indicate Beijing's intention to acquire the ability to conduct warfare far from China's borders.

The Obama administration protested Turkey's military cooperation with Iran after it was reported that the Chinese fighter planes were sent to Turkey via Pakistan and Iran.

The developing ties among Turkey, Iran and China are also reflected in weapons deals, with Iran buying from China mainly missile technology.

A report in western dailes has claimed that the C-802 antiship missile fired by Hezbollah in the Second Lebanon War at the Israel Navy's Hanit missile boat had been manufactured in Iran with Chinese technology.

China has also developed a surface-to-surface rocket-launching system together with Turkey. China's Prime Minister Wen Jiabao is due to visit Ankara this month and to sign several bilateral cooperation agreements.

Turkey and China are also involved in projects to build oil pipelines from Iran.

The Middle East seems to be experiencing new political orders and the main loser amidst the developments seems to be the United States.