Editor's note: As the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge prepares to open to traffic on Wednesday, here is what you need to know about the world's longest sea-crossing bridge. An aerial view of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge. At 55 kilometers, the bridge is the world's longest sea-spanning structure. [Photo/HZMB AUTHORITY] 1. Vehicles that could use the bridge Among the vehicle types authorized to use the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, shuttle buses will run only between the ports of Hong Kong and Zhuhai/Macao, not crossing any boundaries. Cross-boundary coaches via HZMB will operate similarly to current coaches that run between the Chinese mainland and the two special administrative regions through existing ports, such as the Shenzhen Bay Port. Cross-boundary private cars under quotas for existing boundary crossings (i.e. Shenzhen Bay and Lok Ma Chau) will be allowed to use the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge without additional procedures on a trial basis. According to figures from the Transport Department in Hong Kong, the number of Hong Kong cross-boundary private cars issued with valid Closed Road Permits (CRP) was 30,400 as of 2017. The number of mainland cross-border boundary cars with such permits is more than 20,000, according to the bridge operator, HZMB Authority. Governments in Hong Kong and the mainland have both promised flexible adjustment of quotas for cross- boundary private cars in accordance with the traffic volume after the bridge opens. silicone wristband usb flash drivebig rubber braceletswhite rubber bracelet meaningwristbands canadabracelets with sayings customize
The first direct flight connecting the capitals of China and Mexico will be inaugurated later this month, to boost exchanges between the countries and the rest of Latin America.According to Chinese Ambassador to Mexico Qiu Xiaoqi, Hainan Airlines will fly the new route between the two major developing countries, whose annual bilateral trade exceeds $40 billion.Qiu spoke about the new route in an interview with China Daily during the ongoing two sessions. Qiu is a member of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.Currently, China and Mexico - more than 12,000 kilometers apart - have only two direct flights in place, one linking Mexico City with Shanghai and another connecting the Mexican capital with Guangzhou, Guangdong province.Once the new flights get underway, a total of three air routes will link Mexico with three of the most important cities in China and further strengthen interconnectivity, Qiu said.The daunting distances between China and Latin American countries - in most cases more than 14,000 km - has resulted in a limited number of direct flights.Currently, one of the most popular routes for Chinese visitors to Latin America goes from Beijing to Sao Paulo, Brazil, via Madrid, Spain.Because Mexico City is a major air hub in Latin America, Chinese visitors will be able to reach the capital of virtually every other Latin American country, Qiu said.Given that around 120 million trips abroad are made annually by Chinese citizens, the ambassador estimated that an increasing number of Chinese travelers will head to Mexico as two-way ties make progress and transportation improves.China is Mexico's second-largest trading partner, and Mexico is China's second-largest trading partner in Latin America.Criticism has arisen recently suggesting that China is conducting checkbook diplomacy in Latin America as it develops international partnerships related to the Belt and Road Initiative.But Qiu said Cold War era thinking and geopolitical angles should not be used to evaluate China's cooperation with other countries. The cooperation is completely open and inclusive and based on mutual benefits and win-win collaboration, Qiu said, adding that third parties are also welcome to be part of the process.China-Latin America cooperation does not target nor exclude any third party, Qiu said.The countries of Latin America are in a key phase of their development, and they need funding, technology and helping hands from abroad, so China and these countries have shared aspirations, Qiu said.As I have been working in Latin America for quite a number of years, I can say that China's cooperation and investment are heartfelt and welcomed by the governments and people there, Qiu said.Such cooperation meets the countries' need for development and improving their domestic economies, Qiu said.
