Southwest China's Chongqing launches fixed-schedule freight train service to Budapest

A freight train bound for Budapest, Hungary, departed from southwest China's Chongqing Municipality on Sunday, marking the launch of a new fixed-schedule China-Europe freight train service, also known as China Railway Express.

The train, carrying automotive and motorcycle parts, electronic products and other consumer goods, is expected to take about 11 days to reach Budapest -- a major transport hub serving Central and Eastern Europe. The train will exit China via the Alataw Pass in its northwestern Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and travel through countries including Kazakhstan, Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia, before arriving in Hungary.

The new route is Chongqing's second fixed-schedule China–Europe freight train service, after the one connecting the municipality with Duisburg, Germany.

Compared with traditional freight trains, fixed-schedule trains follow set timetables and routes -- significantly improving efficiency and reliability. According to China Railway Chengdu Group Co., Ltd., the Chongqing-Budapest route will reduce travel time by around 30 percent.

Data released by China State Railway Group Co., Ltd. earlier this week showed that China-Europe freight trains had made a cumulative 120,000 trips and transported goods worth more than 490 billion U.S. dollars.

As a flagship project and a landmark brand of the Belt and Road Initiative, the China Railway Express has established a comprehensive logistics network across Eurasia -- now reaching 232 cities in 26 European countries and more than 100 cities in 11 Asian countries.

Southwest China's Chongqing launches fixed-schedule freight train service to Budapest

Southwest China's Chongqing launches fixed-schedule freight train service to Budapest

China opposes the use or threat of force in international relations, opposes imposing one's own will on others, and opposes a return of the world to the "law of the jungle," Foreign Minister Wang Yi said during a phone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on Thursday.

During the call, Araghchi briefed Wang on the latest developments in Iran, saying the recent unrest was incited by external forces and that the situation has now returned to stability.

Saying that Iran has made preparations to respond to external interference while keeping the door wide open to dialog, Araghchi expressed hope that China would play a greater role in promoting regional peace and stability.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that China consistently upholds the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and international law, opposes the use or threat of force in international relations, opposes imposing one's own will on others, and opposes a return of the world to the "law of the jungle."

He said that the Chinese side believes the Iranian government and people will stay united, overcome difficulties, maintain national stability, and safeguard their legitimate rights and interests.

Wang also called on all parties to cherish peace, exercise restraint, and resolve differences through dialog, adding that China is willing to play a constructive role in this regard.

Chinese, Iranian FMs have phone conversation