"China Strengthens Ties with Uzbekistan, Explores New Railway Route"

China has upgraded its diplomatic ties with Uzbekistan to an "all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership" and proposed closer cooperation on various projects, including the construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway to create a new trade route bypassing Russia. This move comes as shippers seek alternatives to the existing overland link via Russia due to sanctions imposed after the invasion of Ukraine. The railway project aims to facilitate faster freight transport between China and Europe, although details regarding financing, technical aspects, and the route itself remain unclear.