New sea-rail link between China and Singapore is fishy.

http://en.people.cn/n3/2017/0510/c90000-9213546.html

There is something fishy about this new sea-rail link.  China can transport goods to Europe directly now with its railway.  Therefore, it doesn't make sense for China to transport goods to Europe via Singapore.  China can also ship its goods to South Africa via Myanmar or Pakistan port directly because its railways are connected to these 2 countries.  Likewise, China can ship its goods to USA directly too.  I really don't understand the rationale for this new sea-rail link as China can bypass Singapore with shorter shipping days.

Did China have a change of heart and decide to treat Singapore better?  I hope for the best outcome but remain cautious about this new sea-rail link.