Sidestepping Russia, China shores up new Caspian Sea trade route through Central Asia to Europe
- Despite its choppiness, the world’s biggest inland body of water has rapidly become a more desired journey for shipments than one through Russia or the Red Sea
Navigating the waves and ripple effects of regional conflicts that have obscured traditional trade routes and weakened Russian influence in the Central Asian region, China is stepping up its engagement there, especially in transport connectivity.
The mutual interests and win-win message were highlighted as President Xi Jinping made a state visit to Kazakhstan this week and met President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
In a joint statement on Thursday, the two countries pledged to “improve the level of interconnection and continue to deepen cooperation in the fields of infrastructure”, including opening more border ports and accelerating the push for cargo shipments across the Caspian Sea.
A day earlier, the two leaders virtually attended the opening ceremony of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route – a road corridor through which cargo trucks arriving from China can board ferries across the Caspian Sea and on to Europe.
The trip takes around 12 days and “provides more choices for domestic and foreign customers in foreign trade transport”, according to the company.
