China is set to build the longest road bridge in Central Asia, a massive 920-meter structure spanning Tajikistan’s Surkhob River. While officials are hailing it as a milestone for connectivity and economic growth, some experts see it as yet another strategic move in Beijing’s expanding influence under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
The agreement, signed between Tajikistan’s Ministry of Transport and China’s Zhejiang Communications Construction Group Co. Ltd. (ZCCC), marks a significant deepening of ties between the two nations. The bridge, which extends to 1,500 meters including access roads, is expected to be completed within four years, adhering to modern construction standards.
What’s the Big Deal?
This isn’t just another infrastructure project—this bridge is a game-changer for Tajikistan. The landlocked Central Asian country is heavily mountainous, making transportation a challenge. Improved road networks could boost trade, tourism, and job creation, giving Tajikistan’s economy a much-needed push.
However, China’s growing economic footprint in Central Asia has raised eyebrows, especially among geopolitical analysts. Beijing has already poured billions into the region through the BRI, funding roads, railways, and energy projects. Tajikistan, in particular, has leaned on China for infrastructure investments, including roads and tunnels that now serve as critical trade arteries.
Business or Geopolitical Play?
On the surface, this looks like a win-win situation. Tajikistan gets better infrastructure and China secures another success story for its BRI ambitions. But there’s a flip side. Some critics argue that BRI projects often come with financial strings attached, increasing the debt burden of smaller nations. Tajikistan, which already owes over 40% of its external debt to China, might be walking a fine line between economic development and financial dependency.
This latest deal reinforces China’s role as the dominant economic player in Central Asia, particularly at a time when Beijing has been calling for stronger regional connectivity. During the China-Central Asia Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in December 2024, China proposed a “multi-dimensional connectivity network” linking the region, further cementing its influence.
What Happens Next?
The bridge, once completed, could serve as a model for future China-Tajikistan infrastructure projects—or as a cautionary tale of the risks of overreliance on a single economic partner. Whether this project is purely about connectivity or part of a larger strategic play, one thing is clear: China’s footprint in Central Asia is growing, and the world is watching.
Photo: GlobalTimes CN
