China to build, reconstruct over 100,000 kilometers of rural roads in 2025: official

China plans to build and reconstruct 105,000 kilometers of rural roads in 2025, continuing the country's effort to boost the revitalization of its rural regions through infrastructure construction, said an official of China's Ministry of Transport at a press briefing in Beijing Friday.

Vice Minister of Transport, Li Yang, revealed the road construction plan, saying it will also be implemented in parallel with a road upgrading plan, which will see improved roads connect the townships and the key economic nodes with the other parts of the country.

"In terms of construction, we plan to build and reconstruct 105,000 kilometers of rural roads in 2025. We will also strive to build paved roads in 12,400 natural villages of a relatively big size. Meanwhile, we will work to upgrade major rural road networks by the highway standard of Grade III and above. The improved networks will serve as fast channels that connect townships and key economic nodes with other parts of the country. We will also promote the construction of paved roads in natural villages with a relatively large population and the construction of graded roads in administrative villages," said Li. More efforts will also be made to promote integrated development so as to boost the industrial revitalization in rural regions and the broader rural revitalization, said Li.

"In terms of integrated development, we will push forward the Beautiful Rural Roads construction project, coordinate the building of rural roads, improve the layout of villages and towns, and enhance the rural living environment so as to promote the rural industrial invigoration and boost the modern and all-around rural revitalization," said Li.

China's rural roads constitute the most extensive transport infrastructure in the country and serve a significant majority of the population. These roads serve as primary transportation channels for rural residents, playing a crucial role in enhancing their well-being and living conditions. They are also instrumental in advancing the modernization of agriculture and rural areas.

According to a white paper released by China's State Council Information Office on Nov 29 and titled "China's Rural Roads in the New Era", the country has made notable achievements in rural road construction over the past 10 years, with increased total length, rising technical standards and better accessibility.

China to build, reconstruct over 100,000 kilometers of rural roads in 2025: official

Myanmar's new President U Min Aung Hlaing met Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese foreign minister, in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar's capital, on Saturday.

Noting that Myanmar consistently regards its relationship with China as the most important bilateral tie, U Min Aung Hlaing emphasized that Myanmar stays committed to the one-China principle and highly appreciates and actively supports the China-proposed four global initiatives.

The new Myanmar government expects to strengthen high-level exchanges with China, advance the construction of the Myanmar-China Economic Corridor, and work together to maintain border peace and stability, while continuously deepening the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries, the president said.

Myanmar will never allow any activities that harm China's interests within its borders, and will continue to intensify its crackdown on online gambling and telecom fraud and take concrete measures to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel, institutions and projects in Myanmar, he added.

For his part, Wang stressed that China's policy toward Myanmar remains consistent. China firmly supports Myanmar in following a successful development path that suits its national conditions and is supported by its people; firmly supports Myanmar in safeguarding its national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity; and firmly supports Myanmar in achieving national peace, reconciliation and social harmony, he said.

Wang also noted that building a China-Myanmar community with a shared future perfectly aligns with the development and revitalization needs of both countries and serves the fundamental interests of both peoples, urging both sides to unswervingly follow this path.

China is willing to cooperate with Myanmar to resolutely and thoroughly eradicate online gambling and telecom fraud, he noted. China will also support Myanmar's participation in more dialogue and cooperation mechanisms and the enhancement of its interaction with ASEAN, Wang added.

Myanmar president meets Chinese FM

Myanmar president meets Chinese FM