"Russian and Chinese Companies Explore Secret Undersea Tunnel Project Linking Crimea"

Russian and Chinese business leaders have reportedly discussed the construction of an underwater tunnel connecting Russia and Crimea as an alternative to the existing bridge across the Kerch Strait. The Chinese Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC) expressed interest in acting as a general contractor for the project, although Russian business leader Vladimir Kalyuzhny denied any cooperation between Russia and CRCC. The Chinese Communist Party wishes to remain behind the scenes on the tunnel project, potentially due to concerns about Western sanctions. However, the ongoing conflict in the region poses challenges to the construction of such a massive infrastructure project.