Transit time and possible transport China’s trade with the Global South is growing significantly, driven on the one hand by the China Plus One strategy and on the other by the development of new markets. But many challenges remain.

In 2022, Russian Railways was forced to respond promptly to the changes. During the year, loading in the direction of unfriendly countries fell by 37%, in the direction of friendly countries — increased by 23%, including by 28% — to China. This increased the demand for the Eastern Polygon.