As the Trump administration stepped up efforts to regain control of the Panama Canal to prevent the expansion of Chinese influence, Beijing proposed a countermeasure plan.
According to a report on April 19 by Gizmodo News Network's Brazilian edition, China has restarted a large-scale railway project in South America, which could completely change international trade. Beijing is planning to relaunch an ambitious railway project in South America that aims to connect three countries and provide a transportation route to Asia without relying on the Panama Canal.
This railway project will not only change the trade routes in South America but also consolidate China's influence in the region's infrastructure construction sector.
"Two-Ocean Railway" is part of the Belt and Road Initiative, aiming to connect the coastal port of Rio de Janeiro state in Brazil with the Chancay Port in Peru, connecting the Atlantic coast with the Pacific coast, creating a new logistics route to Asia. Once completed, this railway will enable Brazilian export products to reach the Asian market faster without going through the Panama Canal.
A Chinese delegation recently visited Brazil to assess the feasibility of its logistics infrastructure, giving the "Two-Ocean Railway" project new momentum. The Chinese delegation met with representatives from the states of Mato Grosso, Goias, Rondonia, and Acre in Brazil to discuss the country's railways, highways, and waterways conditions.
One end of the "Two-Ocean Railway"—the Chancay Port—opened in November 2024, marking a major investment by China in Peru. This port offers a new choice for Pacific maritime transport, enabling direct navigation between Latin America and China and other Asian countries, shortening time and reducing export costs. The opening of the Chancay Port diversifies trade routes and strengthens China's position in strategic markets.
The "Two-Ocean Railway" is currently in the technical research and financial assessment phase. If realized, it will change the logistics landscape in South America, reduce dependence on traditional infrastructure such as the Panama Canal, and accelerate intra-regional and extra-regional trade. With the increase in Brazilian exports, this logistics corridor is expected to enhance South America's competitiveness in the global market.
In the meantime, China continues to expand its strategic layout in Latin America by directly investing and strengthening cooperation to develop critical infrastructure vital to the prosperity of the region.
Chancay Port is a joint cooperation project under the Belt and Road Initiative between Beijing and Peru. CCTV screenshot.
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7495970150517129791/
Disclaimer: The article represents the author's personal views. Please express your opinions by clicking the "like/dislike" buttons below.