China's Expressway Tunnel In Xinjiang Region Expands BRI Connectivity, Raises Strategic Concerns For India

China has completed the construction of the 22.13-km Tianshan Shengli Tunnel in the Xinjiang region, marking a significant milestone in its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

The tunnel, which is the longest expressway tunnel of its kind, is expected to enhance connectivity within Xinjiang and between Central Asia and eastern China, extending to the Pacific.

According to China Daily, the tunnel will drastically reduce travel time through the Tianshan Mountains—one of the world's longest mountain ranges—from three hours to just 20 minutes.

This achievement is poised to improve regional trade and transport infrastructure, facilitating closer ties with Central Asian countries that are part of the BRI.

Experts have noted that the Tianshan Shengli Tunnel will also strengthen links to the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway currently under construction.

Once operational, this railway will connect Eurasia with China's eastern regions and the Pacific, further cementing China's strategic position in global trade.

However, concerns about ecological impacts have been raised. The Tianshan Mountains, often referred to as a "geological museum" due to their numerous fault zones, could face long-term environmental challenges from the tunnel and associated expressway network.

By expanding influence in Central Asia and strengthening logistical links to Eurasia, China is trying to bolster its geopolitical leverage.

The Tianshan Shengli Tunnel and enhanced Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) connectivity pose strategic concerns for India as several projects are being undertaken by Beijing in the Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK), which New Delhi claims as its territory.

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