# What is the Pinglu Canal, China’s new gateway to Southeast Asia?

https://mins.news/en/item/60384

- Al Jazeera, 2026-09-16 05:24 UTC
- Economy
- Original: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/9/16/whats-the-pinglu-canal-chinas-new-gateway-to-southeast-asia?traffic_source=rss

> China is opening the 134km Pinglu Canal in Guangxi, linking the Xijiang River with the Beibu Gulf. The waterway is designed to shorten shipping routes from southwest China to Southeast Asia by about 560km, lower logistics costs and stimulate trade and industry along the corridor.

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- [CNA Explains: Why China’s new Pinglu Canal matters](https://mins.news/en/video/60617) — CNA, 2026-09-16
- [How the Pinglu Canal could reshape China-ASEAN trade](https://mins.news/en/item/60263) — CGTN, 2026-09-15