China Revives Railway in Zambia Amid US-China Mineral Competition

Chinese Premier Li Qiang is conducting a two-day visit to Zambia focused on a $1.4 billion refurbishment of the Cold War-era Tazara railway line. The project aims to enhance China's access to critical minerals, particularly copper, from Zambia's mines to Tanzania's port of Dar es Salaam. Li, who holds China's second-highest leadership position, is scheduled to meet with Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema on Thursday to finalize agreements on the railway upgrade.