China inaugurated the Pinglu Canal on Wednesday, a major infrastructure project designed to connect landlocked regions in the country directly to the sea. The 134-kilometer waterway links Nanning, a key city in the manufacturing hub of Guangxi province, to the Gulf of Tonkin, which borders both China and Vietnam.

Construction of the canal took four years to complete. Prior to its opening, goods from southwestern China were primarily transported to the southern port city of Guangzhou to access maritime routes. The new canal significantly reduces this transit distance by more than 560 kilometers, which officials say will lower transportation costs and transit times.

The development aligns with broader Chinese efforts to enhance trade connectivity with neighboring countries and strengthen regional economic integration. By providing a more direct route to the sea, the canal aims to facilitate smoother import and export operations for the landlocked areas in Guangxi and surrounding provinces.

State media reports emphasized the canal’s strategic importance in supporting local industries and boosting the logistics capabilities of the region, potentially expanding trade opportunities within Southeast Asia. The waterway is expected to accommodate vessels capable of handling substantial cargo volumes, contributing to the efficiency of supply chains linking inland production centers to international markets.

The Pinglu Canal represents a significant addition to China’s expanding network of infrastructure projects aimed at promoting domestic economic development and enhancing cross-border commerce.