中亚棋局：中国为何在沙漠中心建“超级港口”？

Core Insights - The article discusses the significance of the Horgos inland port in Kazakhstan, which has emerged as a crucial hub for trade between Asia and Europe, despite being located in a desert region far from the ocean [1][2]. Group 1: Horgos Inland Port Overview - Horgos is a massive inland port covering 130 hectares, capable of handling over 350,000 containers annually, and has transformed from a quiet border area into a vital trade connection [5][6]. - The port's trade volume surpassed 100 billion yuan in 2024, marking a year-on-year increase of 43.46%, with a 28.5% rise in railway transport in the first quarter of 2025 [6]. Group 2: Technical Challenges and Solutions - A significant technical challenge arises from the difference in railway gauge: China's standard gauge is 1435 mm, while the former Soviet Union countries use a wider gauge of 1520 mm, creating an 85 mm gap that necessitates a transfer of containers [9][10][11]. - To address this issue, Kazakhstan invested approximately $200 million, while China contributed several billion dollars to develop the Horgos port, which serves as a crucial "gauge change station" [13]. Group 3: Strategic Importance - Horgos plays a pivotal role in the Middle Corridor trade route, which connects China to Europe while avoiding risks associated with maritime and northern land routes, thus serving as a strategic lifeline for trade [14][17]. - The port is integral to China's Belt and Road Initiative, which aims to reshape trade and infrastructure networks across Eurasia, positioning Horgos as a key node in this new Silk Road [17]. Group 4: Economic Impact on Kazakhstan - Horgos has transformed Kazakhstan from a landlocked country to a land-linked one, significantly boosting trade and attracting various industries, leading to a 50% increase in trade volume in Central Asia over the past five years [21][22]. - The port has created thousands of jobs, with specific examples including the Horgos knitting industrial park providing over 1,000 jobs and technology companies offering employment for 1,200 to 1,500 people annually [23]. Group 5: Historical Context - Horgos has historical significance as a key stop on the ancient Silk Road, illustrating the continuity of trade and cultural exchange from ancient times to the present [27][30].