North Korea, a country that has traditionally been seen on the periphery of international politics, seems to be really going to shine this time. The focal point is the Tumen River, which is located at the junction of China, Russia and North Korea, to be exact, a small place at its end - Fangchuan. Russia's return in 1992 sowed the seeds of a strategic shift in this dormant land.
In the eyes of ordinary people, the Tumen River is nothing more than a river with average hydrological conditions, and it has little economic value, but geopoliticians see a different picture in it. This is not as simple as a river, it is a bridgehead for China, Russia and North Korea, and it is also a sensitive area that affects the nerves of the United States, Japan and South Korea. A seemingly ordinary outlet to the sea, but because of its unique geographical location, it has become the center of the stage of great power wrestling.
Some question the shipping potential of the Tumen River, while others use the Suez Canal as an analogy, emphasizing that technology and determination can change nature's limitations. They said: "The distance of more than a dozen kilometers is nothing more than a drop in the bucket compared to the feat of the Suez Canal." If you want to, the Tumen River can also become a gateway to the world. ”
A deeper discussion goes to the heart of the project – the strategic significance of access to the sea. This is not only an economic consideration, but also the key to military layout. "The transformation of the Tumen estuary, symbolic more than practical, marks the beginning of a new era. Even if it is not a cargo ship, just the berthing of a few warships can make it difficult for Japan and South Korea to sleep and eat, and whether to prevent or not to prevent is a problem. ”
This is not just a debate about hydrology, but a rehearsal of the future balance of power in Northeast Asia. Japan's Hokkaido may already be thinking about a more far-reaching future. Although it may take another 5 to 10 years for this change to take place, there is already an undercurrent surging under the skies of Northeast Asia.
In the final analysis, the construction of the new outlet to the sea in Fangchuan is a major geopolitical test in Northeast Asia, testing the wisdom and courage of all countries. For China, this is not only a new growth pole for the northeast economy, but also a frontier of national security. In this story, the depth of the river is no longer important, the key is who can control the voice of this water, and who can play a good first move in this new world.
So, how do you think the opening of the new outlet to the sea on the Tumen River will affect the future of Northeast Asia? Is it a new beginning for peace and prosperity? Leave your insights in the comments section.