With rising global tensions and growing risks to shipping, China is reshaping its trade strategy by constructing a new railway to Europe — one that deliberately avoids its close ally, Russia.
The new railway, which runs through Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, is designed to provide a more direct and reliable connection to European markets — bypassing Russian territory entirely. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the traditional overland route through Russia has become less dependable due to sanctions, higher insurance costs, and mounting safety concerns. As a result, many European companies have turned away from it.
Now, freight is being routed through Kazakhstan to the Caspian Sea, and from there via Azerbaijan and Turkiye — a path known as the “Middle Corridor.” The railway under construction aims to enhance this corridor by shortening the route and boosting efficiency. Spanning 520 kilometers, the new line is supported by a $2.35 billion loan from China to Kyrgyzstan to fund its development.
While this alternative route is still more expensive and slower than the Russian path, recent upgrades have significantly reduced travel times — from over 50 days to just under 23. For comparison, shipping goods by sea typically takes around a month. Despite these challenges, rail trade between China and Europe has grown dramatically — from $8 billion in 2016 to $57 billion in 2023.
The importance of the Middle Corridor has increased even further following Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, which have intensified concerns over the security of sea-based trade.
Although China continues to maintain strong trade ties with Russia — especially for energy and raw materials — it is actively seeking faster and safer export routes to Europe. Both China and the European Union are looking to bypass Russia, though each has its own strategic motivations for doing so.
Read next
16:59
Central Asia
Uzbekistan will host the next EU–Central Asia Economic and Investors’ Forums in November, EU Ambassador Toivo Klaar announced during Europe Day celebrations, highlighting growing ties and President Mirziyoyev’s planned visit to Brussels to sign a landmark agreement.
12:00
Central Asia
In a bid to enhance regional connectivity and increase freight capacity, Uzbekistan and China held talks in Beijing, focusing on expanding and optimizing international transport corridors, including the strategic China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project.
17:00
Central asia
Uzbekistan and China will implement a mutual visa-free travel regime beginning June 1, following the completion of all required internal procedures on both sides, the Uzbek Foreign Ministry announced.
16:15
Central Asia
Russia’s Rosatom has launched the production of key reactor equipment for Uzbekistan’s first small modular nuclear power plant, marking a major milestone in the bilateral energy project, Rosatom announced.
17:00
world news
Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Türkiye, Iran, China, and Turkmenistan have reached a key agreement on unified rail transport tariffs, marking a strategic step toward enhancing cargo flows along the China–Europe corridor through Central Asia and the Middle East.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment