Ferrying freight

While passenger services have seen dramatic improvements, China's railway network is also revolutionizing global trade. A notable milestone was achieved on Dec 3 when freight train X8083 — carrying goods such as electronics, home appliances, auto parts and daily necessities — arrived in Duisburg, Germany, marking the 100,000th journey between China and Europe. The train, which departed from Chongqing on Nov 15, took 18 days to reach the German city.

As a cornerstone of the Belt and Road Initiative, the China-Europe freight train has evolved into a critical link for trade and connectivity, fostering open cooperation, mutual benefit and economic integration among the countries along the route.

In 2024, the service hit a significant benchmark with 19,000 China-Europe freight trains operated, transporting 2.07 million containers — an increase of 10 percent and 9 percent, respectively, compared to the previous year.

Since launching in 2011, the service has transformed global trade by enhancing connectivity between China and Europe. It has maintained a strong track record for safety, stability and efficiency, making it an indispensable component of the international logistics network.

Li Chao, deputy director of the Policy Research Office of China's National Development and Reform Commission, said: "The China-Europe freight train service is a vital carrier of open cooperation, fostering mutual benefit and supporting the Belt and Road Initiative. It provides a new, all-weather, high-capacity, green and low-carbon transport route that has become a valuable international public good."

The service is notably less affected by natural environmental factors, offering higher reliability compared to other forms of transportation. With costs just one-fifth of air freight and transit times a quarter of sea transport, the freight train has become a preferred choice for many businesses. In 2023, it accounted for over 7 percent of the total trade between China and Europe.

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