Kuala Lampur, June 25 -- For centuries, global trade has followed a simple logic: take the shortest path over water. That's why the Suez Canal and the Strait of Malacca became the world's busiest shipping chokepoints. Goods from China flow west through Malacca, into the Indian Ocean, up through the Suez, and on to Europe. It works. But it's not the only way anymore.

Recent trouble in the Strait of Hormuz-where tensions have threatened oil shipments-has reminded everyone how fragile these chokepoints are. One closure, one conflict, and supply chains shudder. That's why China is pushing its Belt and Road land routes, reviving the old Silk Road by rail. Trains now carry everything from electronics to refrigerated meat from Xi'an to Duisburg...