ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the intra- and inter-continental mega connectivity projects. In this context, it might further be underlined that next to the intra-continental infrastructure projects, which are already impressive in their dimensions, the BRI also takes into account some inter-continental and inter-oceanic giga-projects. Among these are the Bering Street Tunnel which would connect the Eastern Siberian end with Alaska thus effectively striking a continental and literally a “World-Land Bridge” in-between Eurasia and the Americas. Also, two impressive inter-oceanic canal systems are planned across Nicaragua (while enhancing the Panama Canal’s capacity), and in Thailand to connect the Pacific Ocean with the Indian Ocean at the Bay of Bengal. It is deemed to shorten shipping routes in comparison to the way through the Strait of Malacca. Even Japan’s archipelago is projected to be connected with the East Asian continental shelf which – together with the transport and energy infrastructure development in Eastern Siberia and North Asia – would permanently reset the industrial and commercial clock in the Pacific. In fact, new infrastructural investments will potentially help the low- and middle-income countries in Asia and Africa, who seem to have already developed a social and policy acceptance for BRI – thus contributing to its outreach.
