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Zhang Hongzhou

Zhang Hongzhou

Dr Zhang Hongzhou is a research fellow with the China Programme at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. He received his PhD in public policy from the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore. His main research interests include regional and global resources conflicts and governance, game theory, discourse analysis, and emerging technologies. 

After decades of delays over logistical and geopolitical disagreements, a rail link between China, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan is set to begin construction. With Russia no longer objecting to it, the way is clear for a project that will boost Beijing’s economic ties and diplomatic influence within Central Asia.

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By using the grain corridor with Russia to further diversify supply routes, China can reduce its reliance on global chokepoints amid increasing pressure on them while also ensuring a more secure food supply chain. However, challenges remain.

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The discovery of a vast ‘dark fishing fleet’ near South China Sea reefs claimed by Beijing prompts speculation it is really a maritime militia. But other explanations may shed some light, too.