The freight volume of China Russia railway continues to rise

From January to April 2026, the freight volume of the Russia China railway increased by 3% year-on-year, reaching 62.7 million tons, and the container transportation volume steadily increased. Among them, Russia exports a considerable amount of resource goods such as coal, iron ore, petroleum products, and fertilizers to China, while the import of chemicals, industrial products, automotive parts, and other goods from China has increased significantly. Freight transportation is divided into two channels: port and border port. The freight performance of the Outer Baikal Port is impressive. The Russian side stated that the railway freight volume between Russia and China has reached a historic high in 2025, and it is expected that the railway freight volume between the two countries will set a new record in 2026.Editor/Gong Ziwei

Upgrading Plan for Bulk Commodity Logistics between China and Russia

During Putin's visit to China, China and Russia finalized a plan to upgrade the logistics of bulk commodities, focusing on optimizing the efficiency of customs clearance at ports such as Manzhouli and Heihe, simplifying the customs declaration and inspection process, and launching the Far East Logistics Infrastructure Expansion Plan to enhance border warehousing and transit capabilities. Both sides will enhance cross-border trunk transportation capacity around core commodities such as energy, minerals, and grain, reduce logistics costs, and improve turnover efficiency. This efficient and risk resistant commodity circulation corridor will bring medium - and long-term dividends to mainline logistics enterprises and supply chain service providers. Editor/Cheng Liting

CGN holds overseas open day activities simultaneously in five countries

Recently, on the occasion of the United Nations World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, China General Nuclear Power Corporation (CGN) held its 2026 Overseas Open Day in France, Malaysia, Laos, Brazil, and Namibia. Over 300 local students, media representatives, and community residents stepped onto the front lines of the project to witness the technology and temperature of green energy. As of now, the installed capacity of China General Nuclear Power's overseas new energy holdings has exceeded 13 million kilowatts, and has provided clean electricity of over 370 billion kilowatt hours to 18 countries and regions.Editor/Gong Ziwei

The first flight of Xiamen Airlines' Hangzhou to Manila and Chongqing to Manila routes

On the evening of May 20th and 21st, 2026, Xiamen Airlines' direct flights from Hangzhou to Manila and from Chongqing to Manila made their maiden flights. The related inaugural ceremonies were held at Manila International Airport, and representatives from China and the Philippines attended the events. The two routes are jointly promoted by multiple parties and opened to meet the travel needs of the people, which will help promote economic, trade, cultural and tourism exchanges and people to people exchanges between China and the Philippines. The Hangzhou Malaysia route operates four times a week, while the Chongqing Malaysia route operates three times a week. The one-way travel time is approximately 3 hours and 3.5 hours respectively, with stable schedules.Editor/Gong Ziwei

China Vietnam adds a new cross-border logistics route

On the afternoon of May 23, 2026, a container train loaded with 170 tons of calcium hydroxide sounded its horn and departed from Guigang Station, passing through Nanning International Railway Port for transfer and transportation to Vietnam's Anyuan Station. This is a new Sino Vietnamese cross-border logistics route added after the opening of the Liuzhou Nanning Vietnam railway cross-border logistics channel, adding a stable and efficient cross-border logistics channel for economic and trade exchanges between Guangxi and Vietnam. Editor/Cheng Liting

Kyrgyzstan begins construction of hydroelectric and photovoltaic projects

Recently, a 5MW hydroelectric and 1MW photovoltaic power station was built in Jalalabad, Kyrgyzstan, with the participation of China National Machinery Industry Corporation. The project adopts a public-private partnership model with a total investment of 259.8 million US dollars, which will alleviate power shortages, irrigate thousands of hectares of farmland, and create over 100 job opportunities.Editor/Gao Xue

China invests in Kazakhstan's new energy power plants

In May 2026, Kazakhstan plans to launch 10 renewable energy projects with a total installed capacity of 245.8 megawatts. China has participated in the construction of multiple wind and solar power plants, helping Kazakhstan achieve its goal of 15% renewable energy by 2030.Editor/Gao Xue

The new air route between China and Europe is about to officially open

Starting from June 1, 2026, China Southern Airlines will open a direct route from Guangzhou to Frankfurt via Urumqi, becoming the first direct route to Germany in the northwest. The route is operated by Boeing 787-9 aircraft and runs every Monday and Friday, with detailed round-trip flight schedules announced. The new route significantly reduces travel time, saving 4 to 8 hours of travel time. The air route connects the Guangdong Hong Kong Macao Greater Bay Area, the core area of the Silk Road, and the hinterland of Europe, helping to open up the layout to the west, facilitating personnel and material circulation, and further improving the international air travel network.Editor/Gong Ziwei

China Petroleum makes its debut at the 2026 Oman Oil and Energy Exhibition

On May 18, 2026, the Oman Oil and Energy Exhibition will grandly open at the Muscat Convention and Exhibition Center. China Petroleum Oman Company coordinated and joined forces with international business companies, Oriental Geophysical Exploration, Great Wall Drilling, Gemstone Machinery, Pipeline Bureau, Engineering Construction Company, Global Engineering Corporation and other units to showcase the advantages of the integrated full industry chain of exploration and development, engineering technology, engineering construction, new energy, international trade, and equipment manufacturing at the exhibition.Editor/Gong Ziwei

Chinese company proposes Turkmenistan natural gas processing project

In May 2026, Sinopec Puyang Shengyuan proposed at the Ashgabat Business Forum to build a large-scale natural gas processing complex in Turkmenistan, covering the production of methanol, polyethylene, and polypropylene, with an annual production capacity of 1.8 million tons, aiming to increase the added value of natural gas and create employment.Editor/Gao Xue

China Serbia aid fishing dock offshore project launched

On April 23, 2026, China's aid to Sierra Leone's offshore fishing terminal project was launched. President Bio and Chinese Ambassador to Serbia Zhao Yong attended the meeting. This project is the first comprehensive industrial fishing terminal in Serbia, and a landmark project for the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Serbia.Editor/Gao Xue

Jiazan will build a green ammonia factory

Saudi Arabian Refining Company has signed a memorandum of understanding with Asia Union Hydrogen Energy to jointly build a green ammonia plant and a local hydrogen energy equipment manufacturing center in Jazan Industrial City, and to establish a research and development center in collaboration with Saudi universities. This is SARCO's third hydrogen cooperation agreement of the year, in line with Saudi Arabia's strategic goal of producing 1.2 million tons of green hydrogen annually by 2030. The agreement is expected to have a positive impact on SARCO's financial report in the third quarter of 2028, indicating that Chinese hydrogen energy companies are shifting from project contracting to localized industrial layout, accelerating their efforts to seize the opportunity in the Saudi hydrogen energy market.Editor/Cheng Liting

In May 2026, Shandong will assist Kyrgyzstan in talent cultivation

In May 2026, representatives from Kyrgyzstan and Shandong Province held talks in Bishkek and signed an agreement on industrialization and vocational training. Both parties will jointly build an industrial park and jointly produce CNC equipment, with Shandong cultivating engineering talents for Jilin.Editor/Gao Xue

China and Kazakhstan sign potato processing cooperation project

Pavlodar Oblast of Kazakhstan signed a memorandum of cooperation with Xuechuan Agriculture of China to implement a large-scale potato processing project. The project plans to build a modern agricultural and industrial park, with an annual processing capacity of 100000 to 200000 tons of potatoes, covering planting, research and development, processing, and supporting facilities, with a total investment of 100-200 million US dollars. Xuechuan Agriculture has strong capabilities, and this cooperation will make up for the shortcomings in local agricultural deep processing, create employment opportunities, and both parties have expressed their long-term willingness to cooperate and provide support.Editor/Gong Ziwei

China Tajikistan Industrial Cooperation Negotiation

On May 13, 2026, Tajikistan's President Rahmon visited Zongshen Industrial Group in Chongqing and reached a consensus on joint venture construction and industrial production cooperation. Zongshen plans to lay out manufacturing industry in the tower to assist in building a local industrial system. By 2025, the bilateral trade volume will reach 30.858 billion yuan.Editor/Gao Xue

Russian sailing training ship visits Dalian

In May 2026, the Russian sailing training ship Parada docked at Dalian Port for a four-day visit and exchange. 157 crew members will engage in maritime training, cultural interaction, and other activities with teachers and students from domestic maritime colleges, and open for public visits.Editor/Gao Xue

Henan Province adds new cross-border intermodal transportation channels

On May 12, 2026, the first shipment of Sino ferrous intermodal cargo by Zhongyu Port Group was shipped from Zhengzhou. The Vietnamese cashew container was transferred to Uzbekistan via Qingdao, and a new cross-border multimodal transport channel was added in Henan.Editor/Gao Xue

Kazakhstan's refining depth increased to 90%

In May 2026, the average refining depth of Kazakhstan's three major refineries will increase from 87.4% to 90%. The Atyrau refinery rose to 88%, the Chimkent refinery rose to 88%, and the Pavlodar petrochemical plant rose to 94%. Gasoline production increased to 5.7 million tons, and diesel production increased to 6.1 million tons. Ha Fang plans to further increase it to 94%.Editor/Gao Xue

China ASEAN Blue Economy Cooperation Dialogue held in Haikou

On May 10, 2026, the China ASEAN Blue Economy Cooperation Dialogue was held in Haikou. Chi Fulin, President of the China Hainan Reform and Development Research Institute and the Hainan Free Trade Port Research Institute, stated that the Hainan Free Trade Port is located at the regional center, backed by a super large domestic market in China, adjacent to Southeast Asia, and combined with a special regional system of customs supervision that includes first line liberalization, second line management, and domestic freedom, it has the conditions to play an important role in maintaining regional energy security and alleviating regional energy crises. Chi Fulin suggested that Hainan should build a service guarantee base for China ASEAN energy security, serving the common needs of China ASEAN energy security.Editor/Gong Ziwei

China Indonesia cooperation writes a new chapter in modernization

In May 2026, the Jakarta Bandung high-speed railway has sent over 15 million passengers, and China and Indonesia have deeply cooperated in infrastructure, digital, green energy, culture and other fields, providing a vivid example for countries in the global South to explore modernization paths together.Editor/Gao Xue

Uzbekistan and Hong Kong plan to sign aviation agreement in July

In May 2026, the aviation departments of Uzbekistan and Hong Kong agreed to sign an aviation communication agreement in July, which will open direct passenger flights and expand cargo flights.Editor/Gao Xue

Heilongjiang Fuyuan Luobei Water Transport Port sets sail

On May 6, 2026, Fuyuan and Luobei water transport ports will open and open for navigation simultaneously, and the Sino Russian border river passenger and freight transportation will resume operation, carrying the import of copper ore powder and the export of fresh flowers and other goods.Editor/Gao Xue

Chinese Ambassador to Türkiye Jiang Xuebin Attends the Istanbul SAHA Defense Airshow

On May 7, 2026, Chinese Ambassador to Türkiye Jiang Xuebin was invited to attend the 2026 Istanbul SAHA Defense and Aerospace Exhibition, visited the booths of several Chinese exhibitors and encouraged them to expand overseas markets. During this period, he met with relevant Turkish institutions and business leaders to have in-depth exchanges on defense cooperation between China and Turkey. The exhibition is held every two years and attracts 1763 exhibitors from over 120 countries. The scale of China's 125 participating enterprises ranks first among all overseas countries.Editor/Gong Ziwei

Shandong Expressway signs 1.3 billion euros for Serbia Road project

On May 7, 2026, Shandong Expressway Group signed a commercial contract for the construction of a Serbian expressway, with a total length of 82.71 kilometers and four lanes in both directions, valued at approximately 1.3 billion euros.Editor/Gao Xue

African goods densely arrive at Shanghai port

In May 2026, Yangshan Port in Shanghai intensively unloaded African specialty goods such as South Africa and Egypt. China's new policy of zero tariffs was implemented within two days, and border inspections ensured efficient customs clearance.Editor/Gao Xue

Hengli Heavy Industries continues to expand overseas cooperation

On May 5, 2026, Hengli Heavy Industries held a naming ceremony for two 82000 deadweight ton bulk carriers, which were built by Greek shipowner Dynacom. The two sides have previously cooperated on multiple VLCC and bulk carriers. On that day, Hengli Heavy Industries also collaborated for the first time with European shipowner Beacon Tankers, signing contracts for 2+2 158000 deadweight ton Suezmax tankers. Since 2026, Hengli Heavy Industry has signed a total of 20 oil tankers of this type, which has become the main construction vessel.Editor/Gong Ziwei

COSCO Shipping opens direct flights to Libya

On May 6, 2026, COSCO Shipping announced the opening of a regular direct route to Libya in Benghazi, with a frequency of once every two weeks. It only takes 25 days from Guangzhou to Benghazi to transport Chinese engineering machinery and other goods.Editor/Gao Xue

Qarmet partners with CNF to supply China's coking coal concentrate for the first time

Qarmet collaborates with CNF to supply coking coal concentrate for metallurgical coke production. The first batch of 4300 tons has been transported to China via the Dostick Alashanku Port railway and is currently undergoing pilot testing. The plan is to increase the monthly supply to 40000 tons, aiming to expand exports, stabilize production capacity, and consolidate its international position as a reliable supplier of high-quality coal powder. Editor/Cheng Liting

UAE to build super large light storage cluster

In May 2026, Masdar signed a contract with EWEC to develop over 30 gigawatts of photovoltaics and over 8 gigawatts of energy storage in the United Arab Emirates, contributing to a 60% share of clean energy by 2035.Editor/Gao Xue

The first power station in Cuba's new energy project is put into operation

On April 30, 2026, the first power station of China's 85MW photovoltaic project in Cuba, the "General Angel del Castillo Argemont" photovoltaic power station in the province of Ciego de Avila, was completed. The power station has an installed capacity of 5MW photovoltaic and 1MW energy storage, with a peak of 6MW. It is Cuba's first integrated photovoltaic and energy storage project and has the ability to ensure supply in an isolated island mode. Its operation has helped the province's photovoltaic power to exceed 100MW, effectively alleviating power shortages and reducing oil dependence.Editor/Cheng Liting