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.

Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan are strengthening their economic ties with China through an ambitious railway project linking the three countries along the historical Silk Road