China is improving cold chain logistics and transportation with a "four horizontal and four vertical" backbone network for national cold chain logistics that connect production, distribution, and consumption being established, according to the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC).
According to the commission, so far, China has included 105 cold chain logistics bases to its national backbone construction list in five batches. This covers all 31 provincial level regions and the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps. Specifically, there are 41 bases in the eastern region, 26 in the central region, and 38 in the western region.
"The total number of bases in the central and western regions included in the construction list has reached 64. This has improved the uneven distribution of cold chain logistics infrastructure and created a more well-rounded layout of cold chain logistics bases," said Wang Jianjun, director of the NDRC's Department of Trade.
Currently, waxberry from Changxing, east China's Zhejiang Province, is making its way to consumers' tables in Beijing. Thanks to the cold chain logistics network, it can be delivered in just 24 hours, with transportation losses reduced by around 80 percent compared with the traditional method.
In a dispatch center in central China's Henan Province, AI technology is helping workers to monitor the temperature inside the cold chain trucks, the number of orders, and the trucks' locations.
"Next, we will continue to advance the construction of the 105 national backbone cold chain logistics bases. This will help integrate cold chain logistics into the modern logistics system, which consists of 'channels, hubs, and networks', and effectively reduce logistics costs for everyone," said Wang.
China improves cold chain logistics, transportation
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
