Pinglu Canal: A New Shorter Sea route linking China with the Southeast Asian countries

The opening of the Pinglu Canal in southern China on September 16 creates a shorter route from southwest China to the sea, linking the Xijiang River shipping network with the Beibu Gulf. This 134.2-kilometer canal can reduce logistics costs by 18 to 30 percent and save over $700 million annually. Ambassadors from several ASEAN countries highlighted its significance for facilitating trade, particularly for Cambodia and Laos.