A 1,250-mile road linking China with Europe will begin construction soon. The road traverses much of Russia and will cost an estimated USD 9.4 billion. The road is part of Russia’s efforts to establish itself as a major trading partner astride the Asian continent, and as an indispensable cog in the Europe-to-Asia trading network. The road across Asia goes hand in hand with a northern passage through the Arctic and pipelines reaching from Siberia into the heart of Europe. The road, although primarily financed and supported by the Russian government, is considered part of China’s sprawling Belt and Road Initiative.