What’s the Pinglu Canal, China’s New Gateway to Southeast Asia? The recent opening of the Pinglu Canal in southern China marks a significant milestone in Beijing's ambitious infrastructure push.
This 134km river to sea waterway connects the Xijiang River to the Beibu Gulf, reducing shipping distances between inland southwest China and Southeast Asia by approximately 560km, or 18 30% of logistics costs.
The canal's benefits are clear: shorter routes for trade, a boon for local industries, and economic growth.