China opens first new river-to-sea canal since 1949, linking southwest to Beibu Gulf

The 134.2 km Pinglu Canal opened, connecting the Pearl River system in Guangxi to the Beibu Gulf, providing a direct water route from China's landlocked southwest to Southeast Asia. This is the first new river-to-sea canal since 1949, potentially reshaping regional trade flows and economic development, though its full impact remains to be seen.