New Railway Through Central Asia: Connecting China, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan

China is advancing a new railway through Central Asia, linking Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, signaling a bold infrastructure move. This was reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

China is advancing plans for a transformative railway project connecting Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, marking a strategic move. Analysts emphasize its potential to strengthen China’s influence in Central Asia and beyond through critical infrastructure.

Expanding Trade Routes With the New Railway Through Central Asia

The 523-kilometer line will link Kashgar in northwestern China to key cities in Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. The long-stalled project is now underway, with the first phase expected to conclude by the decade’s end. China’s investment in Kyrgyzstan’s section amounts to ¥33.9 billion ($4.7 billion), with completion targeted for 2030.

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Experts describe the railway as a foundational step toward a broader network connecting Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Zhu Yongbiao, an international relations professor at Lanzhou University, highlights its strategic importance. “The railway lays the groundwork for east-west and north-south connectivity,” he said.

Future expansions might include links to Turkmenistan, Iran, and Turkey, expanding its geopolitical reach. Zhao Long of the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies notes this potential, describing it as crucial for China’s ambitions in regional integration.

This project offers China a faster, alternative route to Europe, bypassing Russia’s Trans-Eurasia Logistics network. Wang Yiwei of Renmin University underscores its efficiency, stating that the line saves seven to eight days in transit.

Initial proposals for this railway surfaced in the 1990s, but progress was delayed by technical, political, and financial challenges. In 1997, the three nations signed a memorandum of understanding, but significant advancements occurred only recently.

In June, China, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan signed an intergovernmental agreement, committing to the railway’s construction. The project employs a build-operate-transfer model, requiring a total investment of $8 billion. China holds a 51% stake in the managing joint venture, while Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan share the remaining 49% equally.

Strategic Benefits of the New Railway Through Central Asia

Du Dewen, China’s ambassador to Kyrgyzstan, recently visited the project’s offices, hailing it as a symbol of the Belt and Road Initiative’s success. “This collaboration demonstrates our commitment to regional connectivity and high standards,” Du said during his visit.

The railway could also bolster trade and economic ties between participating nations. Improved logistics will enhance the region’s attractiveness for investment, fostering long-term development. Observers see it as a vital piece of infrastructure with global implications.

By offering streamlined transit, the railway underscores China’s role in reshaping Central Asian trade routes. The project signals a shift in regional dynamics, showcasing China’s ability to lead ambitious cross-border initiatives. Analysts predict it will become a cornerstone of China’s international strategy.

In conclusion, the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Railway represents more than infrastructure—it signifies a bold vision for enhanced connectivity. As construction progresses, the project promises to redefine trade routes and strengthen ties across continents. Observers worldwide will closely watch its development in the coming years.

Source: www.scmp.com

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