The China-Europe Railway Express remains a reliable link between Asia and Europe, operating safely and smoothly despite global uncertainties, the National Development and Reform Commission said at a press conference in Beijing on Tuesday.
With its all‑weather, high‑capacity and efficient service, alongside a lower carbon footprint, the rail express has become a critical pillar for cross‑border logistics and supply chain resilience, officials said.
"The China-Europe Railway Express has consistently emerged as a critical backup option for companies at home and abroad when sea routes between Asia and Europe are blocked or supply chains hit by unexpected disruptions. The rail service has also introduced new corridors, such as the Trans-Caspian route and a line through Türkiye into Europe, giving businesses more choices and greater resilience in their transport options," said Liang Linchong, director-general of the Department of Regional Opening-up of the National Development and Reform Commission.
By encouraging a "rail-plus-industry" model, the rail express has given a real lift to global resource allocation for multinational firms and sped up the development of key industrial clusters in the electronics, manufacturing, new energy, and cross‑border e‑commerce sectors across cities like Xi'an, Chengdu, Chongqing and Zhengzhou.
Looking ahead, China plans to further optimize the China‑Europe Railway Express during the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030).
Customs procedures will be streamlined, transit times made more predictable, and more routes will operate on fixed timetables, with better coordination between different modes of transport.
The country will also step up the building of consolidation hubs, promote direct hub‑to‑hub services, and move faster to improve the logistics network.
"Efforts will be made to better integrate rail, road, sea and air transport, open up new intermodal routes, and expand the logistics network. China will also step up coordination with partner countries to improve infrastructure links, upgrade key border ports, and refine the distribution of hubs along the corridors. Alignment and mutual recognition of rules, regulations and standards will also be promoted," said Liang.
China-Europe rail link proves resilient despite global volatility: official
