The Biggest Waste of Money - China's $20 billion Megaproject

The Hong Kong Zhuhai Macau Bridge After nine years of construction, the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge, the world’s longest sea-crossing, has opened to traffic. But there is no cars to be seen.
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[@user-dz6il7li7f]

As a HongKonger, this bridge can benefits me by shortening the travel time to Macau and provide an alternative choice then riding ferry. When travelling was still possible, there were plenty of buses on the bridge to serve the passengers. However, I agree that as the bridge permit requirement was too high and the amount of permit was limited, the usage of HZMB is actually pretty low and seldom see traffics on it.

[@lxjilyfe]

i think the biggest waste of money is war, not building bridges.

[@Chris58851]

The household technology you used like microwave, walkie-talkies, duct-tape and even jet engines were developed during war.

[@lxjilyfe]

@@Chris58851 yeah, tell me what you invented in iraq, Libya and Afghanistan

[@Chris58851]

@@lxjilyfe Well see this way, if it wasn’t American trying to win the invasion in the Middle East, then drones will be just a concept. Maybe right now engineers won’t be able to rely on drones for surveillance the possibly these ocean crossing bridge won’t be built at all. Also neither do you can inventing anything while posting your thoughts all over social media isn’t it?

[@Dept246]

The learned a lot about engineering when they built this bridge. Even if it was a mistake or waste of money they still will know better the next time.

[@m.h-ar124la7]

Nah. War, for some people. Is highly profitable.

[@GBA811]

Why not to construct a high-speed railway bridge instead of a roadway bridge?

[@snoopyloopy]

7:03

[@chrischong6613]

High-speed rail only moves people; roads move anything you want.

[@captainpronin5264]

@@chrischong6613 What even are freight trains?

[@IpSyCo]

Freight trains are not compatible with HSR.

[@chrischong6613]

@@captainpronin5264 Like I said, high-speed rail only moves people. Freight trains don't go on high-speed rail. Other than a couple of examples worldwide where high-speed rail has been used for small items like mail or packages. Anything else is not economically viable for transportation on high-speed rail. Even if freight can be used on high-speed rail it is still limited compared to roads. With roads you could have cement trucks from one side of the river serving construction on the other side, or small scale food suppliers from one side serving supermarkets on the other side, without the time and hassle of loading small qualities on a train and being subject to the train's schedule.

[@KennyL1]

You cannot look at it from western economic lens. The bridge was built to service and help develop the Greater Bay Area. The Greater Bay Area had a GDP of 1.6T USD in 2020 and set to grow much bigger. China plan for long term. Here you see a long term plan working to grow an economic region that is going to be larger than the UK.

[@lachlanp4198]

The feasibility study was likely rushed if they didn't consider the need for the connection. It would make more sense, financially to plan for the bridge by dedicating corridors, and build it when the demand is there, than build a bridge now which will be 30 years old by the time it is utilised properly.

[@KennyL1]

@@lachlanp4198 It is not in the nature of China to rush through the feasibility study. The considerations are both economical and political.

[@asiaman9462]

Absolute right. Never learn developmental economics from any western politicians who think only of how to win the next election and their economists. For example, Shanghai wouldn't have developed as you see today if it followed the very stupid advice of World Bank advisors in the 1980's: Build bus routes, not subways!!!

[@zenlei8258]

China growth will be stagnant by 2025. US will start to contain China now.

[@kchew1000]

Certainty not a waste. Traffic will be generated later . In China, you build first to facilitate the ensuing economic activities.

[@rsoldier7829]

Reminds me of that Chinese quote about roads

[@domtweed7323]

They should stick a tram on it, for foot passengers.

[@MTobias]

It goes between Hong Kong and Macau, two cities wth extremy low car ownership. A railway bridge would have been better, also to serve the harbours with freight trains.

[@kchew1000]

@@MTobias It goes to Zhuhai in mainland too. Trucks and busses , not just cars will use it.

[@MTobias]

@@kchew1000 trucks and buses don't justify 6 lanes.

[@youngz13o]

The bridge is meant to integrate the bay area … its not going to happen overnight but a plan to develop and integrate the bay area

[@asiaman9462]

You're absolute right. China thinks 50 to 100 years ahead: the Bay Area can't develop overnight unlike the thinking of most western term-politicians.

[@stevenbodo965]

Imagine actual traffic on that bridge? You could get stuck for hours.

[@tritium1998]

But you talking heads just said it's the biggest waste of money that people won't use. I don't see you concerned about the traffic on America's long bridges either.

[@QuinnShaw]

This is how they are incorporating tibet into their country. They just built high speed rail all the way out there, then people are naturally more exposedto the cultures and unification takes place naturally.

[@rncmv]

there is no high speed railway to Tibet and most likely never will be; do you have any idea about the geography of Tibet?; why should not the build railway to Tibet? (rhetoric question)

[@greentraveler4114]

Lol, but there's nothing wrong in building a railway or highway in their own country. Same to USA is building a railway in Los Angeles, anything wrong ?

[@deepblueskyshine]

There's a problem and it's not in politics: every structure, especially ones designed and made extra resilient and tough has a limited life span, not particularly long, which dispite super expensive maintainence of such structures makes their replacement, renovation and even demomlishion extrimely hard as well as expensive. So, having an expensive structure built which EOL moment nears regardless whether it's being used or not and maintain it without any financial returns... how wise and not wastefull it can be?

[@joshh535]

I was following along for like the first half.... then your engrish went crazy you lost me

[@kralle98]

So its not a waste?

[@jatin2636]

Mistake in quantities shown at 0:55

[@chrischong6613]

He was too busy 420ing to notice he put 420,000 three times.

[@hausmanoyombo5391]

@@chrischong6613 lmao good one. I’m bout to 420 myself

[@Soulofmusic876]

It's not built for profit its made strategically

[@mohdjaved5928]

Biggest waste of money US afganistan invasion

[@marianandnorbert]

5:40 I don’t know if the footage you’re showing is actually of the bridge you’re describing, but the footage shows a cable stayed bridge, not a suspension bridge

[@andreinarangel6227]

That's nothing. California is going to try to spend $105 BILLION on some useless train between LA and San Francisco. They're not even close to 1/8th of the way.

[@maolo76]

Lmao.. You right. This bridge cost only $18B. The CHSR.. Will rise again for sure.

[@youngz13o]

You know whats not a waste? The engineering know how and experience from this project. Also, have you ever seen how traffic patterns change? Its gradual, not immediate.

[@texaswunderkind]

Most CCP megaprojects are designed and engineered by western firms.

[@tomanderson2683]

20 billion dollars？ Chill. America has spent 5000 billion dollars in Iraq war and Afghanistan war. That's the fucking waste.

[@youngz13o]

@@texaswunderkind you must be the smart one in the group

[@lhcphysicfreak]

@texas most definitely not. China's construction prowess is not inferior to the west. They've been building for many years. The supply chain is robust, the engineering firms and consultancies are mature, and the labour force more than adequate to tackle such projects. The Chinese could build high speed rails and roads better than any country, with a collective miles constructed of more than 100, 000. With so much work done, the domestic workers must have learned quite a bit. Yes, earlier projects are done and designed by the west. But not today's project I can tell you that. At least not as much as last time. With regards to whether this is a waste of money and time? That depends. If your goal is profit driven, then it is a waste of money. If your goal is to create jobs, establish travelling routes to make your country more connected, ensure your large construction corporations have something to do, so on and so forth, then it is not a waste of money. Seriously though, China can do whatever they want. No point to criticising them. If they want to waste their cash, it is entirely their right to do so. The west put trillions into weapons. No one said it is a waste of money. Now that Russia has attacked, which in part is caused by such extreme military spending that threatened the geopolitical security of Russia in the first place, the west in an ironic 'self-fulfilling prophecy' way now sees that spending in defense is all the more necessary. How is that not a waste of money?

[@Andrew-rc3vh]

@@lhcphysicfreak It's more the case with buildings, e.g. the Daxing Airport is British/French & Shanghai Tower is American architecture. Both are highly impressive and a credit to the Chinese too.

[@baa0325]

With “two systems” already effectively dead, it won’t be long before HK “requests” a speed up of integration into China. Hong Kong’s autonomy will end before 2030. Macau will follow shortly after. This road network will come into use long before 2047.

[@redhidinghood9337]

Macao already kinda gave up its autonomy to the PRC. They rely too much on the mainland money, especially in the gambling sector, which is one of the main economic drivers of Macao. It's just a matter of will at this point to standardize all the laws between macao and the mainland

[@dxelson]

@@redhidinghood9337 you fanaticize too much lmao. You know very god dam well HK relies on China as much as Macao. The very existence of Hong Kong is because of China. If it wasn't for the British wanting to trade with China (i mean... they literally went to war to force China to trade), HK wouldn't exist. Now its still a extension of its former purpose, minus its manufacturing industry that is already gone. HK has been transformed into a services center mainly serving Chinese costumers to connect with the outside world, albeit its importance has been reduced significantly comparing to 30 years ago. End users of: Financial Center? China, Trading Port? China, Tourism? China, Real Estate? well.. yes China sadly (blame local tycoon and poor governance). Water sources: China, Food sources: China.

[@krlost4405]

That was only a facade so UK returned THEIR land and the UK didn't have a lot of choice either: HK very existence is linked to China and any direct conflict will jeopardize HK stability severely. Should China respect that "agreement" or not, is up to them. For an unlawful war to sell drugs like a Cartel from UK, these hypocrites have a lot to say. On top of that, another forced "lease" for extra territories. Well, now is their decision what to do with THEIR land. If they don't like it, can pack their belongings and sell their assets. I would do that. Only whatever type of government on the mainland, has a say over HK territories. Is kind of rich for countries like the US, after stealing Hawaii, wanting to have a say on other's territories.

[@Gadottinho]

wtf, these people on the comments seems brainwashed, wtf, saying the exactly same discourse (or are they bots, idk)

[@krlost4405]

@@Gadottinho I'm from Panamá y si quieres te hablo en español. No, not everyone that disagree with you is a bot. Tired of their hypocrisy. Like don't you get tired of being so caradura, double faced? Those territories were stolen by an illegal war to sell drugs. As simple as that.

[@prasannag7793]

Great information 👍

[@arthurfilemon6038]

Loving your channel. You're voice is soothing

[@tsunholeoyum8555]

I am from Hong Kong and now the Hong Kong government is still closing the border due to the pandamic, not even 0.1% Hong Konger will use the bridge.

[@joshh535]

I like the sound of "Hong Konger"

[@dxelson]

2:08 That is the wrong license plate for Macau... 5:25 That link is to linke the airport and HKZMB to the future planning in progress Northen Metropolis, not Shenzhen.. Have you seen how much time that tunnel cuts? The alternative is to take a trip to almost the center of HK which is very congested and adds up to 30km trip. The tunnel take only about 10 km. There is talk of a another link to Shenzhen via the HKZMB directly bypassing HK jurisdiction, meaning no restrictions on cars in the segment between Shenzhen and Zhuhai. 8:35 There are already processes to streamline the authorization on vehicles from the three juristrictions and no, the SAR status of HK and Macau will not disappear past 2047 and 2049. There will be certainly some adjustments (more control by the CCP?) and a permanent designation of the SARs instead of 50 years

[@joshh535]

This bridge is going to spread SARS!?!?!

[@ds2332]

I think the creator of this video does not fully understand how Chinese government work. In China, the government usually create the infrastructure first before building the residential and enact policy. For this bridge, the Chinese government want HK, macau and Zhuhai integrate into the Greater Bay Area. HK is the most expensive place in China, so they want people to move between the bay area with ease. Unlike most western places where the residential are build and sold before the infrastructure are being build, in China they build the main infrastructure before the sales of residential properties. So for example, in Zhuhai there is a place called Jinwan where they build this massive shopping mall which was opened last year, yet the surrounding residential blocks are not due to complete till next year. So their policy is to make sure everything is ready before the people move in. In HK, developer sells the residential first, then slowly over time build the malls and supporting facilities. This also applies same here in UK.

[@mutyabaivandavid103]

Perfect 👌

[@frankiechiuh3401]

Totally agree that it is a waste of money..... without incorporating a mass rapid system in it. How nice, convenient and efficient it is if there were a double tracks railway in it, it can carry a few thousands visitors an hour and can cover the distance in 40 minutes. Best .... if it is a medium low speed Maglev train !

[@strongchallenger2269]

Don't worry. It's Chinese money. It's never a waste.

[@Rex-ww4cw]

It was meant for the future. Once hongkong and macau come back to China and use the same road to drive ect, it will pack with lots of driver

[@Dept246]

The Chinese don’t treat money the same as westerners. Westerners will murder their wives or brothers for money or sue their parents.

[@tomanderson2683]

20 billion dollars？ Chill. America has spent 5000 billion dollars in Iraq war and Afghanistan war. That's the fucking waste.

[@dojokonojo]

Since no one is really using it now, since the political situation isn't there yet, the bridge is just going to sit around as a money sink for millions in maintenance costs. It was built at a time when money was loosely given out for infrastructure projects but local governments finding out that maintaining is going to be harder than building, since their money comes from land sales and the Chinese real estate market is it not a good place right now.

[@init_yeah]

should be named the 420 bridge

[@mohan4114]

This bridge will allow China to bring in large amount troops to Hong Kong when necessary. It have defense angle.

[@g43654]

It's just a bridge, people could block it, blow it up or even trap Chinese troops on it, if necessary.

[@maolo76]

So dumb.. They can deploy troops from Guangdong border..

[@adesunawan6549]

have you make any research to make such thesis?

[@Homer4prez]

A company should work with all the governments involved and start a mass transit line.

[@StephenGillie]

How much social credit does it cost to drive across?

[@bigwhitebunny6994]

not everything is evaluated in the economic term. this bridge enable china to fully controll hk in many aspects. thats what the governors are thinking, what else reason do you think they make the permit prices too high on purpose?

[@RemusKingOfRome]

KZbin has change the way users set Likes etc on Smart TVs ..but doesn't work . I needed to go on my computer to set this like ... Ug!

[@Deadlyish]

It certainly makes sense for China to build it from a long term geopolitical perspective, and economically there is a case to be made for it developing engineering expertise and capacity while also being a highly visible anchor project that signals that this location is important to the Chinese government and therefore worthwhile for third parties to invest in. The only thing that doesn't make sense is the wasteful bureaucracy keeping people from making full use of the bridge.

[@originalhuggies9740]

I wish New Jersey license plates couldn't enter Maryland.

[@bryandeng570]

This project is a kinda selfness of HongKong business LI Ka-shing who opposes the 2 Y structures for the mega bridge. It will connect HK, Shenzhen, Macau and Zhuhai .

[@qjtvaddict]

That dubious honor belongs to the California HSR

[@adamlook798]

Ready made projects for desolation of 1 china 2 systèms

[@tkhassan8415]

How can we say 'it is waste'

[@chestnutridge4187]

Yes spending it on wars is much wiser.

[@pCpi96]

Biggest waste of money of 20 💵dollars is BETTER THAN biggest waste of money of 720 💵 dollars in MILITARY

[@zahra_callista9996]

Agreed!!😁

[@jklee5419]

In the first quater of 2024, there are more than 1.5 million cars passing this bridge. So can it be the biggest waste of money😂😂😂😂

[@glike2]

This is a warm up for Taiwan. They will try to build some kind of link across the Taiwan strait.

[@glike2]

But if this is done legally with never any military involvement, no coup, democratic integrity, just economic expansion and cultural influence, then it is just.

[@ebbeb9827]

lol have you opened a map and seen how far and deep the taiwan strait is?

[@Dept246]

@@ebbeb9827 the year 2150

[@eightyfiv32]

XD

[@cliffwoodbury5319]

I think that once all teh political gates are tour down the bridge will be far more trafficed because teh practicallity of this bridge under "normal conditions" (unified China) would make it a very trafficed bridge and it will not be a loss because when all the roads are connected - most bridges are built to last over 100 years and many bridges are now designed to last over 200 years - this bridge will be very usefall in the next few decades and will be a vital part of this bays network of roads and rails!!!

[@zahra_callista9996]

You should make a content about~ Curiousreason : Why America wasted a lot of money on Military :')

[@CuriousReason]

Honestly, it's a little naive to think that America is wasting money on the military. Are they spending too much? Yes. But they are just trying to exert their influence and power all around the world. An overwhelming majority of countries and all EU countries do bend their knees to America and do whatever America says, so it's safe to say they are not wasting in terms of their own interests. Besides weapon manufacturer companies like Raytheon, Lockheed Martin and hundreds of others companies, pharma companies control American politics. Its definitely not a good look since homelessness is rampant in prominent US states.

[@zahra_callista9996]

@@CuriousReason Did you meant that is it obvious US wasting money in War better then spending and developing their own country lack of infrastructures and poverty???

[@CuriousReason]

@@zahra_callista9996 I meant they spending too much money for wrong reasons. Its not a waste if you can exert your political influence like they are doing it in Europe and Asia.

[@zahra_callista9996]

@@CuriousReason @CuriousReason Wrong reasons same as wasting the money too tho, why they don't spending their money for their own declined country rather then military??? Trying to conquer others country affairs? What an aggressor country of Mamarika XD US must learnt more from China China is more way ahead and prosperous country in any field than America right now US even can't build California Railway barely making any progress :')

[@leonal522]

As if they have a choice.🤭 In my judgment money on Military is an addiction instead of a choice. I mean really when you put yourself in the US's shoes, is there an affordable alternative or Plan B when you get to the bottom of it? --B3W? lmao🤣

[@yuliusanovanto3575]

It's more intended for military purpose, i.e. tanks.

[@HinduPAGANcowpissdrinkerRAKESH]

No waste. China dont wanna lose those island

[@dostonbekdadaboyev4752]

I think so

[@fafahkenn]

Yah thts wht they do. They jst build things so tht it naturally becomes their property/unified. Example the islands in south china sea

[@mrjonesyyy]

Woah! A mega mega city

[@wulung5943]

Traffic jams in the bay area are very bad, This bridge will reduce congestion. Traffic on the bridge will grow

[@Chris.Davies]

0:56 - I think you didn't watch the video before uploading it. Pretty bad mistake.

[@craigmoy5457]

2 systems only so long dont you think????

[@jackcheung9441]

The corruption of the construction and the government management level, the bridge was not safe to drive.

[@skitz2494]

Good racing spot

[@KekusMagnus]

this looks fucking sick tho

[@jond8668]

It is better than wasting money on wars like America

[@tentanghukumkita6381]

Fantastic project

[@wolverine9377]

Any think china does English speaking Nation: That's a waste

[@kimberleypex]

Big bigger biggest China

[@joshh535]

0:51 lolwut

[@leeo268]

$20 Billions is not that expensive. Look at how much US spend on CA High Speed Rail and barely making progress.

[@zahra_callista9996]

Totally Agreed!!! Better than US wasting money for unnessesary war :') they should focus on their aging infrastructures and inflations right now😅

[@randomperson-sn4rj]

Ironic

[@scottwendt9575]

If the plan is that it will aid development and handle the extra traffic after the 1 country 2 systems ends in 2047, then it’s still a waste because they are wasting decades of its lifespan by building it too early. However, the fact they already built it proves three things: 1. The CCP has no intention of keeping its promise of a separate HK or Macau any longer 2. The bridge was built now not for its usefulness, but to generate GDP through its construction budget. 3. The Politics and ego of the CCP will trump actual need and economics every time.

[@darkphanthom8741]

Why china has to abide by the agreement with the previous evil occupying force anymore, china will have the strongest economy and the full reunification should happen sooner than later let's hope by 2030 hong kong and macau will be fully integrated with the mainland and hopefully Taiwan too.

[@maolo76]

China didn't have to agree to anything with UK. The fact is the lease was up and the renter need to vacate. HK was leased to UK. Technically HK is still part of China during UK leased term. It's arrogant for westerners to think China had to agree to any terms the renter demand. Of course china respected the asset the UK built in HK. As to how the city is run.. That is a China sovereignty issue. UK have no business to tell how China will run HK.

[@eightyfiv32]

@@maolo76 UK should have just annexed the thing 100 years ago right? Would made things much simpler.

[@eightyfiv32]

@@darkphanthom8741 XD

[@darkphanthom8741]

@@eightyfiv32 they would have if they could, they didn't give it back to china willingly.

[@lostinmuzak]

Could it be because the bridge cannot carry too much traffic at any one time? The worst part is in China you have to guess everything. The government is not going to tell you anything especially if it is not so good news. Everything’s good - always!! 😂

[@tomanderson2683]

20 billion dollars？ Chill. America has spent 5000 billion dollars in Iraq war and Afghanistan war. That's the fucking waste.

[@boysiedent6149]

YOU MAY WELL NOT HAVE A BRAIN - BUT YOU CERTAINLY HAVE SOME VERY STRANGE IDEAS - YOU CAN'T GET SOME OF THOSE YELLOW PILLS WHERE YOU LIVE?

[@Arhatu]

Best part of socialism is that you make projects considering future changes because you can plan those changes. Capitalism can't achive such success.

[@Andrewtate200]

10 billion succesfully wasted props to china.

[@Dr.Kraig_Ren]

Everyone:- _"Such great useless differences between nations..."_ *Meanwhile US with it's metricphobia..

[@Brieen]

woah

[@112313]

Lol.... y'all totally forgot about the Chinese's patience. Nvm...u addressed it.

[@puirYorick]

It's only a tragedy if you're a non-Chinese investor who expected to profit from bridge revenue. As it stands it was likely a money laundering scheme of some sort for a gambling mafia or something.

[@tritium1998]

So all the bridges around American or even British harbors are just money laundering schemes by your dumb logic.

[@aoilpe]

By 2047 these bridges and tunnels will be closed for lack of funding for repair and building issues (tofu-concrete)…

[@sajushtiwari]

"Scary to think we humans* have the ability to built something like this" *Correction: "Scary to think the chinese have the ability to build something like this "

[@CuriousReason]

Didn't say scary but "insane"

[@Dept246]

@@CuriousReason Losing money also has its lessons. White elephants also exists in the west. It will make the Chinese more prudent on future projects.

[@omnipitous4648]

China is patient. But Hong Kong is not going down without a battle.

[@ernestochavez89]

If you say that about Palestine, all of a sudden they are terrorists

[@andyli6641]

I was a user of this bridge, it shorted the travel time, and benefits the locals citizens. And also, Chinese is visionary, it builds first and have proper infrastructure, then people will use it. Please keep in mind, covid travel restrictions is still a problem in China.

[@googletookmyoriginaluserna4182]

Integration of Hong Kong & Macau is a sensitive topic, and Western narratives are biased by their own cultural norms. The economic, cultural & time-saving benefits are profound. So hope your clickbait title works out well for you - but if you know, you know.

[@waichong3736]

The future is bright. The future is hong kong china .Has USA the third world country have 5G hahaha.

[@kevinkurniawan3292]

So many grammatical errors

[@nigelparker5886]

Rubbish content as to be expected on such sensational nonsense...420,000 three times, what a strange coincidence eh!?

[@jjwwqq]

Well, communism.

[@yungunit8299]

CCP number 1.

[@feuerherz007]

its such an ugly bridge.. very sad

[@jianghaoyoutube5017]

Shit up

[@604h22a]

@@jianghaoyoutube5017 are you ccp? Tell panda man fu

[@VinhNguyen-dv9zr]

Rubbish Channel title:" waste money project"? Wth inside American 50 cents 🤣 ok put billions dollar in military complex is not wasted haha that why homeless is everywhere in the US😂