VIETNAM - $8 Billion Rail Link to China
Vietnam’s National Assembly has approved a railway project connecting the country with China, marking a significant step in modernizing its transport infrastructure.
It is expected to serve as a key driver for economic development along the Lao Cai—Hanoi—Hai Phong corridor while also integrating with national and international railway networks.
The initiative aligns with Vietnam’s broader goals of industrialization, modernization, and sustainable economic growth.
The railway project, which includes a 390.9km main line and 27.9km of branch lines, will create a vital corridor for economic development and national defense.
Notably, the project will not require an appraisal of capital balancing capabilities under Vietnam’s Public Investment Law.
-www.yahoo.com, 19 February 2025
Arno's Commentary
We take note that the rail connection is between two communist countries. This seems quite natural, since Vietnam has a 1,297 km border with China.
Vietnam’s GDP per capita was estimated at $13,500 in 2023. Economic growth is noteworthy; it was 8.1% in 2022, and 5.1% in 2023.
Vietnam has been offered BRICS membership, but until now has declined due primarily to its major export partner, the USA (at 29%; China follows with 15%).
What is the future? There is little doubt that Vietnam continues to grow economically, and at a much faster pace than Europe and the USA.
What is BRICS? An acronym for Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Since its founding, BRICS membership has been obtained by Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates. Saudi Arabia still seems somewhat reluctant to join.
In summary, BRICS, although not much mentioned in our Western media, is on the way to becoming a dominant force economically. A Google search reveals that several other countries including Algeria, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Turkey, and Vietnam have applied for membership in this diverse, ever-growing group. China holds more foreign reserve currency than any other country in the world. On the other side is the super-religious and world’s largest nation by population, India.
What does it mean? We can summarize it with one word: equality.
The last century has seen the USA as the dominant power, particularly due to the US dollar considered to be the world currency. That will no doubt change in the future.
Our concern is the Church, and there is good news: Non-registered Christian membership is exploding in communist China. Good reports also emerge from Algeria, a major oil and gas producer, as well as Indonesia, with the world’s largest Muslim population.
Thus, the Church is growing. Here we come to Jesus’ statement, “I will build my church” (Matt 16:18). That is absolutely true and reliable. While geopolitical borders may shift, He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Arno Froese is the executive director of Midnight Call Ministries and editor-in-chief of the acclaimed prophetic magazines Midnight Call and News From Israel. He has authored a number of well-received books, and has sponsored many prophecy conferences in the U.S., Canada, and Israel. His extensive travels have contributed to his keen insight into Bible prophecy, as he sees it from an international perspective.
