There Are Things That Seem Difficult — Less So for China: It Will Spend €9.3 Billion and Remove 339 Million Cubic Meters of Earth to Bring the Sea Inland and Accelerate Industry and Economy

Written by Romário Pereira de Carvalho

Published on 13/08/2025 at 15:35

Updated on 13/08/2025 at 15:36

(Xinhua/Zhang Ailin)

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With 134 km and an investment of €9.3 billion, Pinglu Canal Will Connect China’s Interior to the Sea, Boosting Trade and Regional Economy

China continues to break records in the megaproject sector. The latest example is the Pinglu Canal, which began construction in 2022 in the Guangxi region. The project aims to create a new outlet to the sea, connecting the Yu River to the Gulf of Tonkin.

The project is part of a strategy to expand trade routes and reduce logistical costs. Once completed, it will shorten a route currently made by land by more than 500 kilometers.

Dimensions and Timeline of the Project

The canal is expected to begin operation in late 2026. The investment is estimated at €9.3 billion. With a length of 134 kilometers, it will be able to accommodate vessels of up to 5,000 tons.

ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW

Progress of the Works

So far, over 50 million cubic meters of material have been removed. The total is projected to reach 339 million by the end of construction — a volume three times that of the Three Gorges Dam.

One of the differentiators is the materials used. The concrete developed is designed to withstand coastal erosion for over 100 years. This should reduce maintenance costs over time.

Controversies and Environmental Impacts

Not everyone sees the Pinglu Canal solely as an achievement. The project generates controversy due to the amount of earth moved and its impact on areas near the rivers.

Environmentalists warn of risks to the ecosystem, as part of the work occurs near mangroves.

These environments are habitats for various species and serve as natural barriers against storms. Significant alterations can lead to difficult-to-reverse consequences.

A New Maritime “Silk Road”

The canal is part of a larger plan by China to connect the interior and southwest of the country to international markets.

The goal is to allow large ships to depart directly from remote regions and reach seaports, paving the way to Europe, Asia, and Africa.

In addition to the global strategy, the project is expected to bring direct economic benefits. Shipping by boat is cheaper than by truck, rail, or plane. The estimate is an annual savings of $725 million.

Regional Benefits

The project also promises to ease traffic in Guangxi’s industrial zones. Another point is the improvement in water management for irrigation, essential for local agriculture.

Finally, the structure will help control flooding, a recurring problem in the region. For the Chinese government, the Pinglu Canal is not just an engineering project, but a strategic piece on the global trade chessboard.

With information from Xataka.

There Are Things That Seem Difficult — Less So for China: It Will Spend €9.3 Billion and Remove 339 Million Cubic Meters of Earth to Bring the Sea Inland and Accelerate Industry and Economy

With 134 km and an investment of €9.3 billion, Pinglu Canal Will Connect China’s Interior to the Sea, Boosting Trade and Regional Economy

Dimensions and Timeline of the Project

Progress of the Works

Controversies and Environmental Impacts

A New Maritime “Silk Road”

Regional Benefits

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There Are Things That Seem Difficult — Less So for China: It Will Spend €9.3 Billion and Remove 339 Million Cubic Meters of Earth to Bring the Sea Inland and Accelerate Industry and Economy

With 134 km and an investment of €9.3 billion, Pinglu Canal Will Connect China’s Interior to the Sea, Boosting Trade and Regional Economy

Dimensions and Timeline of the Project

Progress of the Works

Controversies and Environmental Impacts

A New Maritime “Silk Road”

Regional Benefits

A village with 115 inhabitants wants new residents: it offers a house, a job, up to 44 thousand euros in benefits, almost free rent, an annual grant of 8 thousand euros for 3 years, and a 20 thousand euro incentive for businesses in the mountains of Italy.

NASA is offering US$ 750,000 to people from anywhere in the world who solve a problem that could decide survival on Mars: creating food for astronauts without relying on resupply from Earth.

New microwave that can replace three appliances hits the market: Sharp launches 3-in-1 model that combines air fryer, convection oven, and heating in 0.9 cubic feet for small kitchens

With an 88-meter wingspan, a capacity of 250 tons, six engines, and 32 wheels, the Ukrainian giant became the greatest symbol of extreme air transport and one of the most impressive machines in aviation history.

The United Kingdom removed approximately 1.8 million cubic meters of sand from the seabed and is depositing it all on 6 kilometers of beaches in Norfolk, in a mega-operation to curb erosion, protect coastal villages, and shield a vital gas terminal against the encroaching Atlantic.

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