Multimodal transport in China opens new int'l logistics channels

A sea-air-land multimodal logistics model is gaining traction in China, effectively combining speed, cost control and last-mile flexibility to move high-value goods and open new international freight channels.

Air cargo is typically used for time-sensitive, high-value products such as fresh seafood and electronics; however, high prices and limited flexibility can constrain single-mode transport. An integrated solution that synchronizes air, sea and road transport is now addressing a broader range of market needs.

The operations at Ningbo Lishe International Airport in east China's Zhejiang Province exemplify this efficient model.

At around 19:00, a chartered freighter carrying 13 tonnes of live swimming crabs, a specialty from Zhejiang, landed at the cargo terminal.

Some of the crabs were picked up directly at the airport and sent to local markets, while others were transported via "truck flights" to cities such as Shanghai and Hangzhou.

The road part of the air-land transfer is handled by vehicles known as "truck flights," or "virtual flights," which are valued for their flexibility and speed.

"These are usually high-value-added goods such as electronic components, fresh products and spare parts. Compared with traditional cargo, they require higher timeliness and stronger safety guarantees," said Lu Jiawei, a truck-flight driver.

Cargo flights in China have continued to expand this year, averaging 1,767 flights per week, up 15.7 percent from a year earlier, according to civil aviation data released recently.

By the end of November, China had 13 dedicated cargo airlines operating 288 freighters, 20 more than at the end of last year, signaling enhanced air transport capacity.

Multimodal transport in China opens new int'l logistics channels

Israeli forces have launched fresh strikes across multiple areas of the Gaza Strip, with local sources reporting civilian casualties and a further worsening of the humanitarian crisis.

According to Gaza's Civil Defense, the Israeli artillery strike on Friday evening in the Tuffah neighborhood east of Gaza City has killed five local residents, including children. The strike brought the number of Palestinians killed since the October ceasefire to around 400.

"A classroom at the displacement site, where five families were sheltering, was targeted. I was inside when the walls collapsed on us during the strike. I was trapped under the rubble along with my grandson, who was injured. After the bombing, I tried to get up and managed to get out of the place. There were many dead and body parts everywhere," recalled Ismail Al-Barsh, an eyewitness of the attack.

Abu Hamza Affana, an ambulance director who took part in the rescue operation, said Israeli forces repeatedly obstructed emergency efforts.

"When ambulance crews first responded to the distress call, the Israeli army opened fire, forcing us to withdraw due to the continued shooting and shelling of the school. After we were later allowed to proceed, we reached the site and dealt with the casualties," he said.

The Israeli military said the incident is under investigation.

The attacks came as displaced families grapple with severe weather and growing shortages of shelter and basic supplies, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.

Local sources said that as a powerful storm swept through the region recently, at least 13 Palestinian children died due to shortages of essential supplies and medical services.

Gaza humanitarian crisis worsens as Israeli strikes continue