China's cold-chain logistics sector has expanded steadily in the first half of this year, with robust growth momentum and enhanced comprehensive competitiveness, according to the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing (CFLP).
CFLP data show that the total cold-chain logistics amounted to 4.7 trillion yuan (about 660 billion U.S. dollars) during the January-June period, up 4.21 percent year on year. The total demand for cold-chain food grew by 4.35 percent, reaching 1,920 million tonnes.
"The global cold chain logistics market has huge demand potential. By 2028, the global cold chain logistics market will exceed 600 billion US dollars. Against the backdrop of accelerated reconstruction of global trade and industrial chain supply chains, China's cold chain development is in a new era full of opportunities. We must take new quality productive force as the core, create new advantages, and open up domestic and international markets for 'buying from the world' and 'selling to the world'," said Cui Zhongfu, CFLP's chief economist.
It is reported that the global cold-chain logistics market was about 363.8 billion U.S. dollars in 2024, with China accounting for over 20 percent of the total.
China's cold-chain infrastructure has undergone significant improvements in recent years. According to the country's National Development and Reform Commission, China has so far included 105 cold chain logistics bases in its national backbone construction list in five batches.
Its influence in shaping international rules for the cold-chain logistics sector has also grown markedly in recent years. In 2024, China led the release of its first international standard for contactless delivery, which enhanced its voice in global cold-chain governance and supported domestic enterprises' expansion into the global market.
China's cold-chain logistics sector expands steadily in H1
The three astronauts of China's recently-returned Shenzhou-20 mission on Friday shared the experiences of their dramatic 204-day space mission, including detailing the emergency procedures which were implemented to bring them safely home after their return capsule was struck by space debris.
The trio -- Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui, and Wang Jie -- met with the press in Beijing on Friday afternoon, marking their first public appearance since returning to Earth in November.
When detailing the emergency response mechanisms which were enacted prior to their scheduled return, the astronauts explained that upon discovering a triangular crack on the spacecraft's viewport window, they immediately took photos for documentation and transmitted them to the ground team, who swiftly activated an emergency plan to get the trio home safely.
Experienced mission commander Chen Dong explained how the crew had complete faith in their colleagues on the ground to find a solution to these unforeseen circumstances which led to their return being delayed.
"First, we must trust the ground team, who would anticipate everything and develop the safest return plan for us. Second, we must believe in ourselves; as well-trained astronauts, we have the ability to manage various unexpected failures. I believe that with the collaboration of astronauts and researchers on the ground, our space home will surely go farther, more steadily, and for a longer time," he said.
Following their extended stay in space as a result of the debris incident, the Shenzhou-20 crew spent a total 204 days in orbit, setting a new record for the longest duration by a single group of Chinese astronauts.
During their mission, they completed multiple payload operations, conducted extensive scientific experiments, and carried out four extravehicular activities.
"Our crew worked together with the ground team in unity and coordination, completing four extravehicular activities, several payload entry and exit tasks, and a large number of scientific experiments. It was a fulfilling yet challenging mission. The path to exploring the heavens is long and arduous, but I firmly believe that China's space missions will succeed," said Chen Zhongrui, a former air force pilot who was making his first spaceflight during the mission.
"From the ground to space, from learning to application, I have deeply felt the solid progress of Chinese space endeavors and the quiet dedication of countless personnel behind the scenes. In the future, I will accomplish each mission with full commitment, living up to the trust of the motherland and the people," said fellow astronaut Wang Jie, who was also making his debut spaceflight.
After returning to Earth on Nov 14, the trio successfully completed their isolation recovery and rehabilitation and will now resume normal training following health assessments.
The crew's return, originally scheduled for Nov 5, was postponed due to safety concerns, with the astronauts later using the return capsule belonging to their successor crew of the Shenzhou-21 mission to get back to Earth. China later launched the unmanned Shenzhou-22 spacecraft which will serve the future return of the crew now aboard the Tiangong Space Station.
Shenzhou-20 astronauts share experiences after safely returning from debris incident
