China and Brazil have launched a bold initiative to build a 4,500 km railway across South America—connecting Brazil’s Atlantic coast to Peru’s Pacific port of Chancay. Backed by a fresh memorandum of understanding, the railway aims to slash shipping times to Asia by 12 days and bypass the U.S.-controlled Panama Canal.
Costing up to $100 billion, the project is undergoing a five-year feasibility study led by China State Railway and Brazil’s Infra S.A. The goal: secure a new trade corridor that strengthens China’s grip on global logistics while reducing dependence on U.S. maritime routes.
Beijing sees the railway as a strategic move amid rising U.S.–China tensions. But critics warn of environmental risks, indigenous displacement, and growing Chinese influence in Latin America.
Brazil’s choice to avoid the Amazon region aims to reduce backlash—but questions remain about long-term sovereignty and accountability.
