China has completed construction of the 22.13km-long Tianshan Victory Tunnel in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, marking an important milestone in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
The tunnel, which will be the longest expressway tunnel of its kind, is expected to strengthen connectivity within Xinjiang and between Central Asia and eastern China, extending to the Pacific Ocean.
According to China Daily, the tunnel will significantly reduce travel time through the Tian Shan Mountains, one of the world’s longest mountain ranges, from three hours to just 20 minutes.
The achievement will improve the region’s trade and transport infrastructure and foster closer ties with Central Asian countries that are Belt and Road members.
Experts point out that the Tianshan Victory Tunnel will also strengthen connections with the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Railway, which is currently under construction.
Once operational, the railway will connect Eurasia with China’s eastern regions and the Pacific Ocean, further strengthening China’s strategic position in global trade.
However, there are also growing concerns about the impact on the ecosystem. The Tien Shan Mountains, often referred to as a “geological museum” due to its many fault zones, could face long-term environmental problems from the tunnels and associated highway network.
China is seeking to strengthen its geopolitical influence by expanding its influence in Central Asia and strengthening its logistical links to Eurasia.
The Tian Shan Victory Tunnel and enhanced connectivity to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) come as the Chinese government embarks on several projects in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK), which New Delhi claims as its own territory. poses strategic concerns for the
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