China Opens World's Longest Sea Bridge

(photo: Pixabay)
By Mei ManuelOctober 23rd, 2018

On Tuesday, China makes history as it opened the world's longest sea-crossing bridge and tunnel that connects Hong Kong, Macau and Southern China.

Chinese President Xi Jinping presided over the inauguration of the 35km Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau bridge, saying very little except to open the bridge with a burst of fireworks projected on the screen.

Vice Premier Han Zheng said that the bridge would help drive China's blueprint for a developed "Greater Bay Area" around the Pearl River Delta similar to the booming status of Tokyo Bay and San Francisco. In his speech, he also said "Standing at this new historical starting point, we firmly believe that the opening of the bridge will further develop the special advantage of Hong Kong and Macau."

The bridge will open on Wednesday for bus services, while further arrangements for private vehicles and trucks are still being sorted out. Facial recognition systems will also be installed to stop yawning drivers driving on the bridge as a precaution.

Critics have been skeptical over the bridge, stressing that it is a clear move by China to exert greater control over Hong Kong despite the fact the city has been given autonomy and individual freedom. The price of the bridge was also placed on debate with Hong Kong authorities stressing that the HK$120 billion tag price of the bridge consolidates Hong Kong's position as a reigional aviation and logistics hub.

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