On June 10, Russia and China inaugurated their first road bridge connecting the two countries, after a two-year delay due to Covid-19.
The first vehicles crossing the road bridge connecting Russia and China on June 10. (Photo: TASS).
The bridge spans the Amur River, linking the cities of Blagoveshchensk (Russia) and Heihe (China). Construction began in 2016, and the bridge was completed two years ago, but the inauguration was postponed due to Covid-19.
“The Blagoveshchensk – Heihe bridge between Russia and China holds a special symbolic significance. It will become a friendly route connecting the peoples of Russia and China,” stated Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yury Trutnev during the inauguration ceremony.
The bridge was opened to traffic on the same day, with the first trucks welcomed by fireworks.
According to official figures, the construction cost of this two-lane bridge was approximately 19 billion rubles (328 million USD).
In recent years, Moscow and Beijing have strengthened their political and economic cooperation to counterbalance the United States, according to AFP.
Trade between Russia and China has developed since the two countries normalized relations at the end of the last century. However, the lack of transportation infrastructure connecting the two nations has posed a challenge for trade, despite Russia and China sharing a long border of 4,250 kilometers.
