China’s canal ambitions pave way for costly folly: Are white elephants on the horizon?

This is the second story in a two-part series about China’s increasing interest in canals, both at home and abroad, and what their construction will mean for economic growth and transport routes. In recent weeks, China has been awash with headlines about how it has waded into a “grand canal era”. But a closer look at canal projects across the country tells a more winding and impactful story.

China, having completed a network of high-speed railways and expressways, is now delving into canal projects to link all waterways in the country. Projects like the Pinglu Canal in Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region and the Jianghuai Canal in Anhui province are underway, showcasing the country’s focus on canal infrastructure.

With proposals to spend billions on canal projects, China is looking towards infrastructure investment as a way to boost economic growth. This strategy has been used in the past during economic slowdowns, showing the country’s commitment to developing its transport and economic routes through canal construction.