California passes partisan redistricting plan to counter Texas maps
California lawmakers have fast-tracked a redistricting plan giving Democrats a potential five-seat gain in Congress, with Governor Gavin Newsom signin...
Kazakhstan and China have agreed to significantly enhance operations at their shared border, aiming to boost transit capacity, improve customs efficiency, and support growing trade volumes.
Delegations from both nations conducted a joint inspection of key border checkpoints as part of an initiative to simplify procedures and accelerate logistics across the region.
A Surge in Cross-Border Traffic
In the first four months of 2025, over 238,000 vehicles crossed the Kazakhstan-China border — marking a 41% increase compared to the same period last year. Delegations visited the Nur Zholy and Khorgos checkpoints, where they evaluated infrastructure and discussed strategic upgrades.
One of the major outcomes of the visit was the decision to extend round-the-clock operations at both crossings until June 2026. Currently, up to 650 vehicles pass through Nur Zholy daily, with expectations to double this figure by September.
Technological Integration and Infrastructure Upgrades
To streamline border procedures, both countries have agreed to mutually recognize X-ray images from inspection complexes. This step will reduce duplication in cargo screening, cutting down on waiting times and expediting customs clearance.
A key infrastructure project under discussion is the reconstruction of the border bridge connecting Nur Zholy and Khorgos — a move that is expected to significantly improve heavy vehicle flow and structural safety.
Intensified Customs Collaboration
Kazakhstan and China also plan to strengthen customs cooperation through regular working meetings, shared data protocols, and coordinated planning for high-traffic periods. These measures are intended to maximize the efficiency of international transport corridors that pass through the region.
Strategic Importance in Regional Trade
The enhanced cooperation aligns with broader economic trends. Central Asia is emerging as a crucial market for Chinese automobiles and a regional assembly hub. With demand rising for affordable vehicles, Chinese automakers are increasingly investing in Kazakhstan. As of 2025, Chinese car brands account for 39% of the Kazakh market.
Officials from both countries emphasize that the latest agreements will not only facilitate smoother border crossings but also bolster Kazakhstan’s position as a key transit country in Eurasian trade routes.
As border infrastructure and logistics systems expand, Kazakhstan and China appear poised to deepen their economic integration and capitalize on growing East-West trade opportunities.
A powerful eruption at Japan’s Shinmoedake volcano sent an ash plume more than 3,000 metres high on Sunday morning, prompting safety warnings from authorities.
According to the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ), a magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck the Oaxaca region of Mexico on Saturday.
The UK is gearing up for Exercise Pegasus 2025, its largest pandemic readiness test since COVID-19. Running from September to November, this full-scale simulation will challenge the country's response to a fast-moving respiratory outbreak.
Honduras has brought back mask mandates as COVID-19 cases and a new variant surge nationwide.
Kuwait says oil prices will likely stay below $72 per barrel as OPEC monitors global supply trends and U.S. policy signals. The remarks come during market uncertainty fueled by new U.S. tariffs on India and possible sanctions on Russia.
Israel will begin immediate negotiations for the release of all hostages held in Gaza, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday, while maintaining military pressure on Gaza City.
Azerbaijan’s SOCAR will invest $7 billion in Türkiye’s petrochemical sector, reinforcing its role as the country’s largest foreign investor.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has ruled out imminent nuclear negotiations with the United States but said talks with the European powers and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) are planned for coming days.
Israel has given final approval for a highly controversial settlement project in the occupied West Bank, a move that critics say would effectively sever the territory and deal a severe blow to the prospects of a future Palestinian state.
Türkiye is stepping up as a key player in efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, NATO chief Mark Rutte, and senior Turkish officials all emphasized Ankara’s key role in promoting lasting peace.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment