Pinglu Canal to cut southwest China-ASEAN shipping distance by 560 km: official

The Pinglu Canal, China's first artificial waterway connecting inland rivers to the sea, is expected to slash the transport distance between the country's southwestern regions and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states by 560 kilometers, a Chinese official said Tuesday.

The 134.2-km canal is a key project in China's New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor, a freight network aimed at improving links between the country's western regions and overseas markets. The project is expected to give cargo from southwest China a shorter route to Beibu Gulf ports, as it is designed to connect the Xijiang River system with the Beibu Gulf through the Qinjiang River.

"Once the Pinglu Canal is open to navigation, the transport distance between China's southwestern hinterland and ASEAN countries will be shortened by 560 kilometers, and logistics costs will be reduced by 18 to 30 percent," said Lu Xinning, vice governor of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

"In terms of navigation grade, the Pinglu Canal is the highest-standard river-sea connecting waterway in China and even the world, and it will reshape the economic and geographic landscape between China and ASEAN. Once open to navigation, it will add a new two-way corridor for goods between the two major markets. Factors such as capital, technology, talent, and labor between southwest China and ASEAN countries will also be further pooled, giving rise to new cross-border investment and industrial cooperation projects," she said.

Pinglu Canal to cut southwest China-ASEAN shipping distance by 560 km: official

Panama declared a state of emergency on Saturday to coordinate relief efforts and assist communities affected by a powerful earthquake that struck the country Friday.

The 7.6-magnitude earthquake struck Panama at 12:56 local time Friday, with its epicenter about 39 km northwest of Tonosi in Los Santos province, damaging homes, schools, health facilities, roads and public buildings across several parts of the country.

The quake has left 27 people injured as of present, according to Panama's National Civil Protection System.

Presidency Minister Juan Carlos Orillac told a press conference at the presidential palace that the declaration would ensure government agencies remain on standby and have the resources needed to assist those affected.

Orillac said President Jose Raul Mulino had ordered the creation of a commission to coordinate relief operations, manage resources and address the needs of affected communities.

The government has also set up donation collection centers, including one at Omar Park in Panama City, while provincial government offices will serve as additional collection points, he said.

Panamanian authorities continue to assess the damage and coordinate emergency response efforts.

Panama declares state of emergency after powerful quake