In the first quarter of 2026, a number of connectivity projects across Asia and Africa have been completed and put into operation, marking the beginning of the year when high-quality joint construction of the the Belt and Road ushers in a concentrated harvest period. From rail transit to energy interconnection, from cross sea channels to land sea hubs, multiple landmark projects have been synchronously implemented, and the traffic volume data of core logistics nodes has broken historical records. These achievements not only reflect substantial breakthroughs in infrastructure connectivity, but also reflect the strong resilience and sustained attractiveness of Silk Road cooperation in complex international environments.

Egypt, Kenya, Malaysia connect three projects

In the first quarter, multiple overseas key projects achieved full line opening or networked operation. The Egyptian light rail project has been fully connected, the Kenya Malaysia railway has been put into operation, the Malaysia Cross Sea Bridge has been officially opened, and the China Laos power grid interconnection project has also been completed simultaneously. These projects are distributed in the backbone of inland transportation in Africa, key cross sea channels in Southeast Asia, and cross-border energy interconnection fields, accurately responding to the urgent needs of countries along the route to improve transportation conditions and strengthen infrastructure gaps. Unlike traditional single infrastructure output, these projects are deeply integrated into local development plans, driving employment growth, improving people's livelihoods, and activating the industrial chain in the construction and operation process, reflecting the cooperative concept of consultation, co construction, and sharing.

Lianyungang Zhongha Base achieves new high throughput

The operational efficiency of logistics hubs jumped synchronously in the first quarter. The container throughput of Lianyungang Zhongha Logistics Base has exceeded 20000 TEUs, setting a historical record for the same period, marking the continuous optimization of the operational efficiency of the land sea intermodal transportation channel from Central Asia to the Asia Pacific region. As an important strategic node on the eastern route of the China Europe freight train, this base is no longer just a physical hub for cargo transfer, but also a stabilizer and accelerator for economic and trade cooperation between China and Central Asian countries. Behind the steady growth of transportation volume is the continuous recovery of regional trade demand, the continuous improvement of cross-border supply chain system, and the direct manifestation of smoother economic circulation and closer coordinated development within the Silk Road Economic Belt. Keywords: the Belt and Road news network, international cooperation

Maintaining Stability in Silk Road Cooperation amidst Geopolitical Fluctuations

At present, the global economic recovery is weak and geopolitical fluctuations continue, but the the Belt and Road project still maintains the momentum of high-quality promotion. This reality fully proves that the Silk Road spirit of peaceful cooperation, openness and inclusiveness, mutual learning and mutual benefit has deeply penetrated people's hearts. A batch of visible and tangible practical achievements have effectively responded to various doubts from the outside world, demonstrating China's firm determination to work together with countries along the Belt and Road for development and common prosperity. As more projects are implemented and take effect, the Silk Road connectivity network will become more dense and efficient, bringing more development opportunities to countries along the route and injecting solid momentum into building a community with a shared future for mankind.Editor/Gao Xue