Chinese container ship SOLAR is seen at CSP Abu Dhabi Terminal of Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates, on May 25, 2019. SOLAR, a Chinese container ship with a capacity of 21,000 TEU (twenty-foot equivalent unit), arrived on Saturday at the CSP Abu Dhabi Terminal of Khalifa Port in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The CSP Abu Dhabi Terminal, built and operated by China's COSCO Shipping Ports Limited (CSP) and Abu Dhabi Ports, has a design capacity of 2.5 million TEU. (Xinhua/Su Xiaopo)

China has established a comprehensive international logistics service system, primarily based on maritime shipping, Li Xiaopeng, Minister of Transport, said on Wednesday, highlighting that China's international logistics supply chain is crucial for the global supply chain’s stability and security.

Li announced on Wednesday that significant progress has been made in terms of international logistics operations. China’s maritime shipping routes now connect to major ports worldwide, and the container shipping lines are connected with over 100 countries and regions, maintaining a leading position in the world.

Li said that maritime shipping has played an important role in China's international logistics system, as over 95 percent of foreign trade volume was handled by maritime shipping.

China’s international logistics service system also includes international air freight, China-Europe freight trains, international postal services, and international road transport, which jointly enhance China’s international freight service capabilities.

China initiated a road transport route to a Caspian Sea port in collaboration with Kazakhstan's transport authorities on July 3, actively promoting comprehensive cooperation in building transport infrastructure, railways, civil aviation, and other facilities. 

The establishment of this route symbolized the establishment of a diversified and integrated transportation network, enhancing the stability and security of the China-Europe logistics supply chain.

China has signed inter-governmental road transport agreements with 22 countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative. China-Europe freight trains now connect 220 cities across 25 European countries.

The China-Europe freight train operated more than 17,000 trains and transported 1.9 million TEUs in 2023, official data showed on Wednesday.

The ministry said that air freight is increasingly favored by clients for transporting high-value and time-sensitive goods, connecting China with over 60 countries and regions. Now, Hong Kong and Shanghai are ranked the first and third in the list of top global air cargo hubs.

Global Times