New North Asia sea route to open

A regular sea route connecting China, Russia, Korea and Japan will open later this year, China News reported (in Chinese). The route, which will be the first and only route in North Asia, and it will improve transport links between the countries. According to an agreement, the four countries will invest, operate and manage the route jointly. China and Japan will be responsible for cargo organization, Russia will handle customs procedures and Korea will be in charge of coordination and operation for carrier lines on the route. The 800-nautical-mile route will connect the ports of Hunchun, Jilin province, Zarubino in Russia, Sokcho in South Korea and Niigata in Japan.