Editorial | Rail line will bring economic benefits to both Central Asia and China
- The railway built by China that links Xinjiang with Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan will boost development, security, trade and investment as well as strengthen Beijing’s economic footprint in the region
Of the thousands of kilometres of railway China has helped countries build as part of its Belt and Road Initiative, there is arguably no more significant section as that linking Xinjiang with Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan.
While details of construction of the 523km line have yet to be revealed, the Kyrgyz president recently announced work would begin next year, ending a quarter-century impasse.
When completed, the economic benefits for Central Asia are likely to be enormous, although the greatest benefactor will be Beijing. The enhanced connectivity to the region, Middle East and Europe will bring development, security, trade, investment and geopolitical gains that attain goals and fulfil ambitions.
President Xi Jinping unveiled the Belt and Road Initiative nine years ago in the neighbouring Central Asian country of Kazakhstan, where State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi recently met officials and regional counterparts.
The Chinese leader is expected to visit again in September, furthering stepped-up diplomatic engagement that is giving Beijing an ever-stronger foothold in a region Moscow considers its geopolitical backyard.