Trends in Development of Chinese-Russian Relations in the Field of Railway Transport

Abstract

The article analyses the nature of transport relations between Russia and China in order to identify the main trends and forecasts regarding development of cooperation between the two countries in this area.A brief excursion into the history of interaction of partners includes the retrospective of construction of mainlines that served to increase the efficiency of transportation.The emphasis in the analysis of prospects is on improvement of transit routes within the framework of «One Belt One Road» and «Eastern Polygon» projects. Information is provided on construction of new and modernisation of existing railway lines with involvement of Chinese and Russian investment, including a bridge over the Amur River, the Kerak tunnel, and development of transit transportation through Kazakhstan and Mongolia. The role of transportation for effective cooperation in the energy field is emphasised.The article considers two types of transportation - freight and passenger. In both cases, there is a steady increase in interaction since in case of cargo transportation, the partnership has a beneficial effect on energy integration, while the efficiency of passenger logistics is determined by the railway connection between the cities of Russia and China.The cooperation of Russian and Chinese companies in the field of advanced technologies and investments in the field of high­speed rail transport is noted.The conclusion is made about the mutually beneficial nature and prospects of strengthening cooperation in the field of railway transport, its role in development of the region and transport infrastructure, as well as in increasing the volume of cargo and passenger transportation.