africa.chinadaily.com.cn
China Completes World's Longest Expressway Tunnel in Xinjiang
China completed the 22.13-kilometer Tianshan Shengli Tunnel in Xinjiang on Monday, reducing travel time through the Tianshan Mountains from three hours to 20 minutes and boosting connectivity between northern and southern Xinjiang along the Silk Road Economic Belt; the expressway is expected to open in 2025.
- What is the significance of completing the Tianshan Shengli Tunnel in Xinjiang for regional connectivity and economic development?
- China finished constructing the world's longest expressway tunnel, the 22.13-kilometer Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, in Xinjiang. This significantly reduces travel time through the Tianshan Mountains from three hours to 20 minutes, boosting regional connectivity and trade along the Silk Road Economic Belt.
- How did the use of domestically developed technology and innovative construction methods impact the project's timeline and outcome?
- The tunnel, part of the Urumqi-Yuli Expressway, cuts travel time between Urumqi and Yuli from seven hours to slightly over three. Its completion showcases China's infrastructure prowess and technological advancement, using domestically developed tunnel boring machines for the first time in a road tunnel project.
- What are the potential long-term economic and social implications of this infrastructure development for Xinjiang and its integration with the Eurasian region?
- The project's success, despite challenging conditions and geological complexities at high altitudes, highlights China's engineering capabilities and commitment to infrastructure development. This improved connectivity is expected to stimulate economic growth and development in Xinjiang, facilitating trade and regional integration within the Silk Road Economic Belt.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The headline and opening sentences emphasize the technological marvel and the positive economic implications of the tunnel. The focus remains on the engineering feat and its contribution to infrastructure development, potentially downplaying other aspects of the project. The positive quotes from officials further reinforce this framing.
Language Bias
The language used is largely positive and celebratory, describing the project as a "significant milestone" and a "major technological breakthrough." Terms like "beat challenges" and "unprecedented challenges" create a sense of triumphalism. While this language isn't inherently biased, it lacks nuance and could be considered promotional rather than purely objective.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the technological achievement and economic benefits of the tunnel, but omits discussion of potential environmental impacts or social consequences for the Uighur population in Xinjiang. There is no mention of the human rights concerns associated with the region, which are relevant to a complete understanding of the project.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a largely positive view of the tunnel's impact, framing it as a purely beneficial development for the region's economy and connectivity. It doesn't acknowledge potential downsides or counterarguments.
Gender Bias
The article features quotes from two men involved in the project (Yang Dongdong and Cui Jingchuan), but lacks perspectives from women involved in the construction or potentially impacted communities. The absence of female voices creates an imbalance in representation.
Sustainable Development Goals
The construction of the Tianshan Shengli Tunnel represents a significant advancement in infrastructure development, improving connectivity and boosting economic growth in Xinjiang. The project showcases innovation through the use of domestically developed technology and tunnel boring machines, a first for road tunnels in China. This directly contributes to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) by building resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization and fostering innovation.