China-Kazakhstan logistics base handles over 20,000 TEUs in early 2026

The China-Kazakhstan (Lianyungang) Logistics Cooperation Base has handled more than 20,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of cargo since the start of 2026, with more than 240 China-Europe (Central Asia) freight trains dispatched, according to Nanjing Customs.

Since its official launch in July 2014 as the first physical project under the Belt and Road Initiative, the base has operated more than 7,744 China-Europe (Asia) freight trains, carrying more than 667,000 TEUs of containers.

It now runs six international rail routes covering Central Asia, China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan, China-Russia and the Trans-Caspian corridor, with access to five outbound ports including Alashankou and Khorgos.

The rail network serves multiple destinations across Asia and Europe, transporting a wide range of goods including automobiles and auto parts, chemical products, household appliances, textiles and garments, and electronic equipment.

The base plays a vital role in ensuring stable industrial and supply chains for Belt and Road partner countries and continues to support high-quality economic development across the Eurasian region.

China-Kazakhstan logistics base handles over 20,000 TEUs in early 2026

A small volcano in a scenic lake south of Manila erupted on Thursday evening, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said.

According to the institute, a "minor phreatomagmatic eruption" occurred at Taal Volcano in Batangas province, over 60 km south of Manila, at 6:06 p.m. local time Thursday. The eruption lasted for five minutes.

The institute said the event generated a dark gray plume that rose 4,000 meters above the crater. The ashfall is expected to affect nearby southwestern regions.

Alert Level 1 is maintained over Taal Volcano, with Level 5 the highest in scale.

Taal Volcano is one of the most active volcanoes in the Philippines. An eruption in January 2020 displaced nearly 380,000 villagers and destroyed many farms, houses, and roads in the province.

The Philippine archipelago straddles the Pacific "Ring of Fire" and is prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

Small volcano near Philippine capital erupts