China is in the process of building the world’s longest highway tunnel, the Tianshan Shengli tunnel, fostering crucial trade links between Xinjiang and Central Asia.
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The tunnel, part of the Urumqi-Yuli Expressway, is set to significantly reduce travel time through the Tianshan Mountains, from Urumqi to Korla. Anticipated to open by October 2025, the 22.1km tunnel emerges as a pivotal development, enhancing economic growth in Xinjiang and strengthening China’s ties with Central Asia amid evolving geopolitics.
The initiative aligns with China’s Belt and Road strategy and signals a broader emphasis on diversified trade methods and cultural exchanges in the region.