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
China closed 2025 with a record of 92 space launches and major breakthroughs were made in manned space launches, deep space exploration and commercial launches, according to the China National Space Administration.
"In 2025, we created a new launch record, sending more than 300 satellites into planned orbits. Both the number of launches and the number of payloads placed in orbit have achieved qualitative leapfrog development," said Zhu Haiyang, an engineer with the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation.
In 2025, the Shenzhou-20 crew spent 204 days in orbit, setting a new record for the longest single mission duration in the history of China's manned space program. Following the Shenzhou-20, the Shenzhou-21 achieved the fastest rendezvous and docking in the history of the Shenzhou mission in just three hours and a half.
Facing an unexpected technical situation with the Shenzhou-20 spacecraft, China immediately activated emergency plans. Within 16 days, a series of maneuvers were accomplished including the launch of the Shenzhou-22 backup vehicle, presenting a "textbook model" for the international space community in effectively responding to unexpected emergencies.
In deep space exploration, the Tianwen-2 probe embarked on its journey for China's first asteroid exploration and sample-return mission in 2025.
Last year also saw intensive launch activities from multiple commercial rocket types, injecting strong momentum into the country's commercial space development.
As China has kicked off the first year of its 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030), a new blueprint for the country's space program is unfolding. Multiple tests are planned in preparation for future lunar exploration, as Chang'e-7 lunar probe is scheduled to be launched for the lunar south pole to search for evidence of water ice. The industry is also preparing for the maiden flights of several new rocket types, which will include the challenges to test rocket recovery and reusability technologies.
China closes 2025 with record 92 space launches
China closes 2025 with record 92 space launches
