China set to open Pinglu Canal – its new shortcut to South-East Asia

China is plotting a shortcut for shipping from its south-west region to South-east Asia with the opening of the Pinglu Canal on 15 September. The $10.8bn waterway connects Nanning, in the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, to Beibu Gulf, between China and Vietnam. South-east Asia is now China’s largest trading partner, with $766bn of trade in the first seven months of 2026. China’s Maritime Safety Read full article →