After eight years of construction work, the dream came true. China opened the world’s longest sea bridge connecting Hong Kong and Macau to the mainland (China). Spanning 55 km, the bridge is an engineering marvel that cost billions of dollars. « I declare the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau bridge officially open, » said President Xi, today as fireworks were lighting up the skies. This new bridge represents a great deal for Xi’s administration. Indeed, not only will it cut travel time across the Pearl River delta, it will also boost the regional economic growth. Furthermore, linking the three cities – Hong Kong, Macau and Zhuhai – carries major political significance. As a matter of fact, the initiative is seen by some as a way to further increase the Chinese control on civil liberties before the end of the “one country, two systems” policy in 2047.

Matthieu Mazerat

For further information:

Evening Standard: https://www.standard.co.uk/news/world/china-opens-worlds-longest-seacrossing-bridge-linking-hong-kong-to-mainland-a3968691.html

Belfast Telegraph: https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/world-news/china-opens-megabridge-linking-hong-kong-to-mainland-37448677.html

France 24 : https://www.france24.com/en/20181023-china-unveils-worlds-longest-bridge-linking-hong-kong-with-mainland