Construction Begins on New Railway Linking China to Europe, Bypassing Russia
A new railway has started construction in Kyrgyzstan, linking China to Central Asian countries. The project aims to expand Chinese commercial influence in the region and beyond.
The railway will connect the Chinese city of Kashgar to Andijan in Uzbekistan, passing through the Kyrgyz border city of Jalal-Abad. It is expected to be finished at a cost of $8 billion.
Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov said the project would strengthen regional ties and increase the region’s competitiveness as a transit hub. He also mentioned that the railway would ensure the supply of goods from China to Kyrgyzstan and then to Central Asia, Turkey, and Europe.
The project has been in talks since the 1990s but faced delays due to economic and political pressure, particularly from Russia, which it bypasses. However, tensions seem to have eased following Russia’s growing dependence on China.
Aid Package Expected for Ukraine
Meanwhile, a new aid package is expected to be delivered to Ukraine, including air defense munitions, Stinger missiles, and artillery rounds. The package is part of ongoing efforts by the United States and other countries to support Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.
Russia’s military suffered significant losses over the past day, with 1,690 casualties reported. Ukrainian troops have also thwarted a Russian attempt to gain a foothold on one of their islands.
Ukrainian leaders are urging China to use its influence over North Korea to prevent the deployment of North Korean soldiers to the frontline.
Global Response and Trade
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said that NATO will enhance its military presence in the Baltic Sea following recent damage to a power cable likely caused by Russia.
The diamond industry has been criticized for continuing to fund Moscow’s war against Ukraine despite sanctions and growing scrutiny. A recent crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines plane was also attributed to “external interference”.
These are just some of the developments unfolding globally as various countries respond to ongoing conflicts and trade tensions.