'Friendship Tunnel' opens new chapter in China-Laos ties

The "Friendship Tunnel" in Mohan land port on China-Laos Railway is the first cross-border railway tunnel between China and neighboring countries, with a total length of 9.6 km, measuring 7.2 km on the Chinese side and 2.4 km on the Laos section.

Connecting China's Mohan and Boten in Laos, the tunnel plays a significant role in promoting the economic cooperation between China and ASEAN countries, and further deepens the Belt and Road Initiative in Southeastern Asia.

Nowadays, about 5 to 6 pairs of cargo trains pass through the "Friendship Tunnel", transporting fresh vegetables, daily electronics and fertilizers. Replacing trucks, the newly-built railway has already become the first choice for companies to deliver bulk commodities, such as rubber, iron ore and non-ferrous metals.

Mohan land port adopts strict COVID-19 pandemic prevention and control measures, such as automatic disinfection system, and every cargo train gets sterilized after entering the tunnel.

Reporter: Zhao Shiyue

Photographers: Zhao Shiyue and Yang Zixuan