A freight vessel carrying over 2,700 domestically made vehicles and construction machinery departed from Suzhou Port in east China's Jiangsu Province on Sunday, bound for Durban in South Africa.
This marked the launch of the first direct cargo shipping route from the Yangtze River basin to Africa, which offers combined roll-on/roll-off (ro-ro) and container shipping services.
The shipping route will streamline transportation of goods between China's Yangtze River basin and Africa, making it easier for local businesses to access African markets.
Operating once a month, the service will primarily transport passenger cars, construction machinery, and related parts.
First direct shipping line links China's Yangtze River region with Africa
First direct shipping line from China's Yangtze River basin to Africa launched
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said on Wednesday that Seoul firmly adheres to the one-China principle, in comments made ahead of his upcoming state visit to China.
The remarks were made in an interview with China Media Group (CMG). The visit is scheduled for Jan 4–7.
"The consensus reached between governments of the Republic of Korea and China when diplomatic relations were established continues to be the fundamental principle governing our relations, and its effectiveness remains steadfast. I want to clearly state that the ROK has always adhered to the one-China principle. Maintaining peace and stability in regional matters, including in Northeast Asia and concerning the Taiwan issue, holds significant importance to us," said Lee.
"The foundational relationship between the ROK and China was established on a very principled and fundamental basis from the beginning. It is clear that the ROK government has always adhered to this position and has never wavered from it. I believe that the sound development of ROK-China relations depends on both sides fully respecting each other's core interests and being mutually tolerant of each other's positions. In this context, we will, as always, uphold the one-China principle as the Taiwan issue is China's most fundamental concern," he said.
ROK president reiterates firm adherence to one-China principle
