China is accelerating its expansion of rail freight connections to Europe, a strategic move designed to reduce dependence on vulnerable maritime shipping lanes.
Liang Linchong, director-general of the department of regional opening-up at the National Development and Reform Commission, highlighted the initiative during a news conference in Beijing.
The development underscores Beijing's broader effort to diversify trade routes amid persistent geopolitical pressures on key sea corridors.
This pivot toward land-based infrastructure reflects a growing concern among Chinese policymakers and logistics operators regarding the reliability of traditional maritime paths.
By strengthening railway and road links through Central Asia, China seeks to create a more resilient supply chain that can withstand disruptions in the South China Sea, the Strait of Malacca, and other critical chokepoints.
The strategy aligns with recent investments in cross-border logistics hubs and enhanced connectivity with Central Asian nations.