International Railroad Discussion > WSJ: Belt & Road (Rail Division) faces new challenges

The Belt & Road Initiative is an effort by the People's Republic of China to create improved shipping for products moving between the PRC and Europe. One aspect is a railroad link between China and western Europe. This service, which is operational, now links PRC with Germany via two routes: via Russia and Belarus; and, via Kazahkstan,  and Romania. It has become a major vehicle for two way trade: electronics, and sports equipment etc going to Europe; while French wine, German cars, and Scots whisky etc go to China

The war in Ukraine and sanctions on Russia have made shipping via Russia difficult and expensive. Insurers don't want the risk, and shippers are concerned about triggering sanctions. The last leg of the Russian routes involves  off loading goods from trains onto Russian container ships to Germany, etc.Or transit via Belarus by rail into Poland.

Paywall possible

https://www.wsj.com/articles/chinas-bet-on-sending-its-exports-through-russia-hits-setback-11648908000?mod=hp_lista_pos2



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/02/22 17:40 by Lackawanna484.

Paywall impossible:

https://www.wsj.com/articles/chinas-bet-on-sending-its-exports-through-russia-hits-setback-11648908000?st=7hnept6fe5vbyy7&reflink=share_mobilewebshare