China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region is ramping up cross-border cooperation with Pakistan and Central Asian nations to mitigate the impact of U.S. sanctions and bolster its role under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). These efforts include the expansion of trade and infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing regional connectivity.
On Sunday, Khunjerab port, the only land border crossing between China and Pakistan, began operating year-round. Previously closed during winter months due to harsh weather, the port facilitated over 11,000 vehicles and 40,900 tonnes of goods from April to October, marking significant increases of 42.6% and 72.7%, respectively, compared to the previous year, according to Xinhua News Agency.
In another significant development, Xinjiang officials met with counterparts from Kazakhstan’s Zhetysu region near the Khorgos port on November 26. The meeting resulted in a memorandum on cross-border tourism and discussions on infrastructure, market regulations, and joint crime prevention. Khorgos serves as a key hub for the China Railway Express, connecting China to Europe through rail logistics.
These initiatives reflect Xinjiang’s strategic role as a gateway for trade and collaboration under the BRI, further integrating with regional economies while countering geopolitical pressures.