New transport corridor linking China and Japan and crossing the territory of Russia and Korea has officially started its test operation, Chinese Radio reports according to ITAR-TASS.
The length of this route is 800 miles (some 1,500 kilometers). Its land section runs from Chinese city of Hunchun (Jilin province) to the Russian port Zarubino, the sea section links S. Korean port Sokcho with Niigata – end point in Japan.
Transportation by the new corridor takes about 36 hours. It is very significant for the development of the North-East part of China and its trade with Japan: transportation takes less time and lower transport expenses. Earlier, transportation by the land route linking the North-East part of China with Japan used to take about 12 days.
A joint enterprise has been formed by China, Russia, Japan and S. Korea to manage the corridor. Official opening of the new route and start of its normal operation is scheduled for May 2009.