The China-Europe freight train has opened a new route again!
This is the new line of the China-Europe freight train connecting Beijing and Baku, Azerbaijan, which officially opened on June 30. This train uses a multimodal transportation model of rail-sea-rail, and the goods will be transported by water across the Caspian Sea, arriving at the capital of Azerbaijan, Baku, after 15 days. Compared to the full railway transportation of the northern route of the China-Europe freight train, this sea-rail combination for Azerbaijan seems a bit complicated, doesn't it?
It can be confirmed that the northern route of the new China-Europe freight train remains the main one, but the southern route of the China-Europe freight train will become an auxiliary. After all, the sea-rail combination method is slower in speed, but this gives all parties the pressure that they are not the only option, and they can choose more ways. For such a transportation method, Europe is welcome, because relying solely on the northern route through Russia and Ukraine is quite a burden for Europe.
Instead, taking the southern route can add another way through, ensuring that both routes can proceed side by side without one leg being limping. That's why China and Azerbaijan have signed a comprehensive strategic partnership and a visa exemption agreement, all aimed at better development.
Azerbaijan's friendliness towards China is also due to the need to counterbalance the influence of Russia and Iran. Azerbaijan is a small country, sandwiched between two sides, facing pressure from both north and south. It needs the counterbalance from China and Turkey on the east and west to ease the pressure from the north and south. Moreover, the relationship between Azerbaijan and Russia is rapidly cooling down, with a series of events leading to less harmonious situations between the two countries.
The opening of the China-Europe freight train in Azerbaijan means that Azerbaijan is finally no longer constrained by the pressure of Iran and Russia, starting to connect to the east and west. Compared to this, Azerbaijan is willing to trade with countries on both the east and west, as Europe is home to many developed countries, and the East also offers many opportunities. However, the two major powers to the north and south are not strong economically for Azerbaijan.
Therefore, launching a new China-Europe freight train is quite necessary for all parties involved. For the countries on the northern route, it reduces some freight volume, but not significantly. Since the southern route also goes through the five Central Asian countries, there is little impact.
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1836421770090500/
Statement: The article represents the personal views of the author.