“Five Nations Railway Corridor” (FNRC) refers to railway projects aiming to connect China, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and Iran
“Five Nations Railway Corridor” (FNRC) refers to railway projects aiming to connect China, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and Iran. Progress on railway infrastructure involving these nations is happening through various bilateral and multilateral initiatives, often overlapping and contributing to broader regional connectivity goals.
1. The “Five Nations Railway Corridor” (FNRC):
Concept: This proposed 2,100 km rail link aims to connect China with Iranian ports (Chabahar and Bandar Abbas) through Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Afghanistan.
Afghanistan’s Crucial Role: Approximately half of the line (around 1,148 km) would traverse Afghanistan.
Progress:
Feasibility Studies: Most of the feasibility studies for the Afghan portion have been completed, including a preliminary design for an initial 654 km segment.
Financing: Negotiations for financing the Afghan segment are ongoing with potential partners like the ADB, World Bank, and China. The estimated cost exceeds $2 billion.
Key Sections with Progress:
Khaf-Herat Railway (Iran-Afghanistan): Sections have been completed and even saw a trial cargo run in May 2023. The full operation of the initial sections is expected later in 2025. This is a vital link for the FNRC.
Torghundi-Herat Railway (Turkmenistan-Afghanistan): Foundation laid for a 22 km section in September 2024, with Kazakhstan joining this initiative.
Hairatan-Mazar-e-Sharif Railway (Uzbekistan-Afghanistan): Operational since 2011, though used incidentally for Chinese trains.
Challenges: The ongoing instability and security situation in Afghanistan remain a significant obstacle to the construction of the main sections within the country.
2. China-Iran Railway Connections:
Existing Links: A freight train route from China to Tehran is already operational.
New Initiatives: There’s a growing focus on developing a more efficient land bridge between Asia and Europe, with rail freight between China and Iran increasing significantly in early 2025.
Six-Nation Agreement: In May 2025, representatives from Kazakhstan, China, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Iran, and Türkiye met to map out the future of the Eurasian transport corridor, aiming to streamline cargo movement to Europe via Iran and Turkey.
3. Railway Projects Involving Afghanistan (Beyond FNRC):
Trans-Afghan Railway (Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan): Construction is planned to begin in 2025 for this 573 km line connecting Central Asia to Pakistani ports via Afghanistan.
Mazar-i-Sharif-Herat-Kandahar Railway: Approved by Afghan authorities, potentially becoming the shortest trade route between India and Russia. Uzbekistan and Afghanistan have agreed to jointly implement this route.
Khaf-Herat Extension: Plans to extend this Iranian line to Mazar-i-Sharif.
Zahedan-Zaranj Railway (Iran-Afghanistan): Construction underway with plans to extend it to Kandahar and Kabul.
Kazakhstan-Afghanistan Link: Plans for a 780 km line from Towrgondi (Turkmenistan border) to Spin Boldak (Pakistan border) through Afghanistan, with Kazakhstan pledging investment. The initial phase focuses on the Towrgondi-Herat section.
4. Pakistan’s Railway Development:
New Rail Links: Pakistan is focusing on completing new railway links, including Chhor-Tharparkar, Pakistan-Tajikistan, and Gwadar-Karachi.
Pakistan-Afghanistan Link: Serious consideration is being given to constructing a railway track to connect with Afghanistan, extending to Mazar-e-Sharif and potentially Uzbekistan.
ML-1 Project: A major project to upgrade the Karachi-Peshawar railway line.
In summary, while a singular “Five Nations Railway” project faces challenges, significant progress is being made on various railway lines that involve these countries and aim to enhance regional connectivity. The China-Iran railway link is operational and being further developed as part of a broader Eurasian corridor. Afghanistan remains a crucial transit point, with multiple railway projects planned or underway to connect it with its neighbors. The overall picture is one of ongoing efforts to build a comprehensive railway network across Central and South Asia, with China playing a significant role through its Belt and Road Initiative.
Transporting oil by rail is a complex issue with both advantages and disadvantages.
Pros of Transporting Oil by Rail:
Flexibility and Access to Remote Regions: Rail can access areas where pipelines are not available, offering a solution for transporting oil from remote production sites to refineries or distribution centers.
Lower Capital Costs and Shorter Construction Time: Compared to pipelines, building rail infrastructure for oil transport has lower upfront costs and can be implemented more quickly.
Scalability and Responsiveness to Market Changes: Rail shipments can be adjusted more readily to meet changing demands and market conditions, offering greater flexibility than pipelines.
Potentially lower emissions compared to trucking: Rail transport generally produces less GHG emissions than transporting the same amount of oil by truck.
Cons of Transporting Oil by Rail:
Higher Costs: Transporting oil by rail is generally more expensive than using pipelines, with estimates ranging from US$10-15 per barrel compared to around $5 per barrel for pipelines.
Safety Concerns: While regulations aim to mitigate risks, rail accidents involving oil spills can have severe consequences, including environmental damage and potential loss of life.
Increased Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Compared to pipelines, rail transport can result in higher greenhouse gas emissions, particularly for longer distances.
Potential for Delays and Congestion: Rail networks can experience congestion, potentially causing delays for oil shipments and impacting the transportation of other goods.
Spills and Accidents: Compared to pipelines, rail transport has a higher probability of incidents per volume of oil transported.
Safety Considerations:
Regulations: Regulations are in place to minimize the risk of oil spills from rail transport, including requirements for double-hulled tanker cars and minimum crew sizes.
Tank Car Standards: The type of tank car used is crucial. Older DOT-111 tank cars have been identified as more vulnerable to rupture in accidents, while newer or refurbished cars offer improved safety.
Speed Limits: Speed restrictions are often imposed on trains carrying crude oil to reduce the severity of potential accidents.
Route Planning: Careful route selection is essential to minimize the impact on populated areas and environmentally sensitive zones.
Economic Factors:
Price Differentials: The economic viability of transporting oil by rail depends on the price difference between various types of crude oil. When the differential is large enough, the higher cost of rail transport becomes justifiable.
Pipeline Capacity: When pipeline capacity is limited or unavailable, rail transport becomes a necessary alternative, even with its higher cost.
Market Access: Rail can provide access to markets that are not directly connected to pipeline networks.
The operational freight train route from China to Tehran, which bypasses the Strait of Malacca for oil transportation (though its primary current use is general freight), carries significant strategic importance for several key reasons:
1. Energy Security for China:
Reducing the “Malacca Dilemma”: China heavily relies on the Strait of Malacca for its oil imports from the Middle East and Africa. This narrow waterway is a potential chokepoint, vulnerable to disruption due to piracy, geopolitical conflicts, or even natural disasters. The China-Iran rail route offers a crucial alternative, enhancing China’s energy security by diversifying its supply lines and reducing its dependence on this single maritime passage. This is particularly important given China’s growing energy needs and its strategic competition with other major powers in the Indo-Pacific.
Overland Security: Rail transport offers a more secure overland route compared to maritime shipping, which can be subject to naval interdiction in times of conflict. While not entirely risk-free, a land route is generally less susceptible to the same types of threats.
2. Economic Benefits and Trade Diversification:
Reduced Transit Times and Costs (Potential): While the current rail route might not be significantly faster for oil transport compared to large tankers, future development and optimization could lead to reduced transit times and potentially lower transportation costs compared to relying solely on sea lanes, especially considering insurance and security costs associated with maritime transit.
Boosting Bilateral Trade: The railway facilitates increased trade volume not only in oil but also in other goods between China and Iran, strengthening their economic ties. This is particularly important for Iran, which has faced international sanctions and seeks reliable trading partners.
Regional Economic Integration: This railway is a key component of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), fostering greater economic integration across Eurasia. It connects Central Asia, the Middle East, and potentially Europe via land routes, creating new trade corridors and boosting economic development in the participating countries.
3. Geopolitical Influence:
Increased Chinese Influence in Eurasia: By developing and utilizing this overland route, China strengthens its geopolitical influence across Central Asia and the Middle East, positioning itself as a key player in regional connectivity and trade.
Countering US Influence: The railway offers a trade route that is less susceptible to the influence of the United States Navy, which maintains a significant presence in the Strait of Malacca and the Indian Ocean. This aligns with China’s broader strategy of reducing its strategic vulnerabilities.
Promoting the Yuan: As trade volumes increase via this route, there is potential for greater use of the Chinese Yuan in bilateral transactions, furthering the internationalization of China’s currency and reducing reliance on the US dollar in the region.
4. Strategic Alternative in Times of Crisis:
Contingency Planning: The operational rail link provides a vital alternative route in case of disruptions to maritime shipping through the Strait of Malacca due to conflict, piracy, or other unforeseen events. This redundancy strengthens China’s overall economic resilience.
In conclusion, the operational freight train route from China to Tehran, with its potential to bypass the Strait of Malacca for oil transportation, is a strategic action of considerable importance. It enhances China’s energy security, fosters economic growth and trade diversification, boosts China’s geopolitical influence in Eurasia, and provides a crucial alternative in times of potential maritime disruption. This development is a significant step in China’s long-term strategy to secure its energy supplies and establish robust overland trade routes across the Eurasian landmass.
The 6th China-Central Asia Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held in Almaty on April 26, 2025, focused on railway cooperation and transport interconnectivity.
Key aspects discussed included:
Transport and Logistics Partnership: This was a major topic, aimed at strengthening transport interconnectivity in the region.
China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan (CKU) Railway: The completion and early operation of this significant railway project was specifically discussed, particularly in bilateral meetings held on the sidelines of the main meeting. It’s considered a crucial part of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and will create a new land route connecting China with Central Asia and potentially further into South Asia and the Middle East.
China-Europe (Asia) freight trains: The ministers emphasized the need to enhance the status and role of Central Asia as an important trans-Eurasian transport hub and deepen cooperation on these freight trains.
Expansion of Transportation Corridors and Freight: The parties expressed readiness to deepen high-quality cooperation within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative to expand the possibilities of transportation corridors and freight, ensuring smooth logistics.
China-Central Asia Transport Ministers’ Meeting mechanism: The work of this mechanism was highly appreciated for its practical collaboration and joint project implementation in transportation and logistics.
New Transport Routes: There were also discussions about launching tourist railway routes between China and Central Asian countries.
CPEC Extension to Afghanistan: As of May 2025, China, Pakistan, and Afghanistan have agreed to extend the multi-billion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) into Afghanistan. CPEC is a flagship component of the BRI, primarily connecting China’s Xinjiang province with Pakistan’s Gwadar port. Extending it to Afghanistan would deepen BRI cooperation and strengthen regional interconnection networks. While CPEC primarily involves roads and other infrastructure, such an extension would undoubtedly involve railway components as well.
China facilitated an informal trilateral meeting in Beijing on May 21, 2025, between the foreign ministers of China, Pakistan, and Afghanistan (the Taliban administration). The meeting aimed to ease strained relations between Pakistan and the Taliban administration in Kabul and foster regional stability.
Key outcomes and points of agreement from this meeting include:
– Upgrading Diplomatic Relations: Pakistan and Afghanistan agreed in principle to upgrade their diplomatic relations by exchanging ambassadors as soon as possible. Currently, both countries maintain embassies led by charge d’affaires rather than ambassadors. China welcomed this development and pledged to continue assisting in improving Afghanistan-Pakistan relations.
– Counter-Terrorism Cooperation: The three sides committed to enhancing cooperation in security and counter-terrorism, including joint action against militant groups and preventing external interference in regional matters. This is significant given Pakistan’s concerns about militant groups operating from Afghan soil.
– Extension of CPEC to Afghanistan: A major economic aspect of the discussions was the agreement to promote the extension of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) into Afghanistan. This move, part of China’s broader Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), aims to enhance regional connectivity and support Afghanistan’s reconstruction and development. This expansion has been a long-standing goal for China and Pakistan.
– Strengthening Connectivity and Trade: Beyond CPEC, the ministers agreed to deepen cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, focusing on regional connectivity infrastructure development and expanding trade exchanges with Afghanistan.
– Continued Dialogue: The parties agreed to hold the sixth China-Afghanistan-Pakistan Trilateral Foreign Ministers’ Dialogue in Kabul at an early, mutually convenient date, signaling a commitment to ongoing engagement.
China’s Role: China emphasized its support for Afghanistan and Pakistan in pursuing development paths suited to their national conditions and in safeguarding their sovereignty, security, and national dignity. This meeting highlights China’s growing diplomatic role in the region and its strategy of “mini-multilateralism” to address specific regional challenges.
The talks reflect China’s strategic interest in regional stability and economic integration, particularly through its Belt and Road Initiative. For Afghanistan, the extension of CPEC offers potential economic benefits and improved political ties with China and Pakistan. For Pakistan, it’s an opportunity to mend troubled relations with its neighbor and enhance security cooperation.
May 25 A new commercial rail route connecting China to Iran has officially launched with the arrival of the first cargo train from the eastern Chinese city of Xian at the Aprin dry port near Tehran. The rail line between the two countries enables Iranian oil exports to China and allows Chinese goods to reach Europe without US naval interference.
First-ever freight train journey from China to Iran. This train traveled over 8,400 kilometers from Inner Mongolia to Tehran in just 16 days, marking a major milestone in China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
New Economic Corridor: The rail link establishes a direct economic corridor between China and Iran, potentially bypassing Western-controlled trade routes and integrating Iran into China’s global supply chain.
Reduced Shipping Time: This new rail connection significantly reduces shipping time by over 20 days compared to traditional maritime routes. The train carried various goods, including electronics, auto parts, textiles, and machinery.
Iran’s Strategic Gains: For Iran, facing severe U.S. sanctions, this development provides crucial access to goods and capital and offers geostrategic breathing room by deepening ties with China. It symbolizes a concrete outcome of the 2021 25-year strategic cooperation agreement between China and Iran.
China’s Strategic Advantages: China secures access to Middle Eastern markets and critical resources while establishing a dependable overland route that avoids potential instability in the South China Sea and Indian Ocean.
Shift from Maritime Dependency: The rail link signifies China’s move away from reliance on potentially vulnerable sea lanes dominated by the U.S. Navy towards more secure land-based infrastructure stretching across Eurasia.
Challenging Western Influence: This initiative places Iran within a multipolar trade network, reducing its dependence on Western-dominated systems and posing a direct challenge to U.S. influence in Central Asia and the Middle East.
Future Expansion: Both China and Iran have plans for further expansion of their rail networks, aiming to connect Tehran to various ports and extend routes towards Turkey, Europe, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iraq, essentially reviving a “turbocharged” ancient Silk Road.
Schizophrenia is a chronic disease characterized by high disability and a high recurrence rate
Schizophrenia is a chronic disease characterized by high disability and a high recurrence rate. Globally, there are approximately 24 million patients, with over 8 million in China.
Among the treatments, aripiprazole, a representative of the new generation of antipsychotic drugs, is recommended by multiple domestic and international guidelines due to its significant efficacy and relatively good safety profile. However, oral formulations require daily administration, and factors such as impaired cognitive function in patients often lead to missed or refused doses. Data shows that the treatment interruption rate for schizophrenia patients in China reaches 75%, with a relapse rate of 77% within one year after discharge and climbing to 90% within two years.
A newly launched drug, independently developed by Livzon Pharmaceutical over 8 years, is the first microsphere formulation of aripiprazole. It only requires a once-monthly intramuscular injection to maintain continuous effectiveness.
Data indicates that this new drug has a faster dissolution rate, enabling rapid and effective control of patient symptoms; the sustained-release material controls drug release, resulting in more stable blood drug concentrations; and it has a lower incidence of adverse reactions. These characteristics allow it to achieve the therapeutic goals of “high convenience, stable concentration, and low residue,” effectively addressing the three major pain points of poor compliance, fluctuating efficacy, and easy recurrence, thus providing a better treatment option for schizophrenia patients.
disruption within US academic and scientific communities
The USeless government’s policies and actions targeting universities and researchers are reportedly causing disruption within USeless academic and scientific communities.
Factors contributing to this include funding cuts, dissatisfaction with diversity initiatives, and concerns about academic freedom.
This situation is creating opportunities for other regions, particularly Europe, to attract researchers and scientists seeking more stable and appealing environments.
European countries like France are actively launching initiatives to recruit international talent.
Surveys suggest a significant percentage of USeless-based scientists are considering leaving, with Europe and Canada being preferred destinations.
Concerns are also raised about international students potentially choosing to study elsewhere, impacting USeless universities and innovation.
Trump administration reportedly revoke Harvard University’s qualification to enroll international students. This would mean the university can no longer admit international students, and current international students would have to transfer or lose their legal status in the USeless The international students make up about 27% of Harvard’s student population, with 6,793 students from over 140 countries, including 1,365 students from China.
The USeless government’s reason is Harvard University’s anti-government and pro-Palestine stance.
The USeless could lose talented international students, impacting innovation.
On Thursday, May 22, 2025, Trump’s administration suddenly announced the cancellation of Harvard University’s international student visa program qualification (SEVP), prohibiting it from admitting new international students in the future. Existing international students at Harvard are also reportedly being forced to transfer.
In response, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) announced today (May 23) an open invitation to current international undergraduate and postgraduate students at Harvard University, as well as students holding admission offers to Harvard degree programs. HKUST welcomes them to join the university to continue their studies and academic pursuits.
HKUST Offers Unconditional Admission, Simplified Procedures, and Academic Support
HKUST stated its hope to provide this opportunity for excellent students to pursue their academic ideals without interruption. The university will offer unconditional admission, simplified application procedures, and academic support to assist students in a smooth transition.
HKUST Establishes Dedicated Team to Assist Applications
HKUST’s Chief Vice-President, Guo Yike, stated that HKUST is ready to welcome Harvard students, promising to provide necessary teaching resources and a vibrant learning environment to help them achieve their academic goals.
HKUST will prioritize the admission applications, credit transfers, and customized support (including visa assistance and accommodation arrangements) for these students to ensure a smooth transfer. The university has established a dedicated team to assist students with application processing, credit transfers, accommodation, and visa matters. Interested students are directed to contact hkust-Harvard@ust.hk for detailed information.
A USeless court blocking the federal government’s ban on international students at Harvard University. This suggests a legal challenge to a policy that would have restricted international students, potentially forcing them to leave if their classes were entirely online.
Trump’s reaction, where he referred to some individuals as “troublemakers.” This indicates a strong political opinion on the matter.
The specific impact on Chinese students at Harvard and China’s subsequent response. This points to the geopolitical implications of the policy and how it affects students from a particular country and the diplomatic relations between the two nations.
Discussions about potentially revoking Harvard’s tax-exempt status, which suggests that the issue might have escalated to include financial repercussions for the university, possibly as a form of pressure or retaliation related to the policy dispute.
May 22, the USeless government announced the cancellation of Harvard University’s qualification for student and exchange scholar programs, effectively prohibiting the institution from enrolling international students.
May 25 Trump allegedly threatened that the federal government might cease providing new funding to Harvard University. He also demanded that the university provide the names and nationalities of all its international students for further review.
May 28 Trump reportedly reiterated that Harvard University must publicly disclose its list of foreign students. He stated that approximately 31% of Harvard’s students are from abroad, and he believes Harvard should impose a 15% cap on the number of foreign students.
COVID infection in China
AG600-1101 aircraft
May 18, the AG600-1101 aircraft, piloted by the test flight crew, took off from Zhuhai Jinwan Airport and completed a 12-ton water drop verification. After a 17-minute flight, it landed smoothly. The aircraft’s condition was good, the control system was normal, and all systems operated stably.