Several major trade hubs across China are expanding international shipping routes to diversify overseas markets and bolster the nation’s position in global trade.
Shenzhen, a leading economic center in South China’s Guangdong Province, has unveiled a new development plan aimed at enhancing its services and digital trade capabilities. The plan includes 20 policy measures focused on four key areas: improving the flow of trade resources, advancing digital trade innovation, upgrading service trade quality, and reinforcing support systems.
A major highlight of the plan is the expansion of maritime routes to Europe, Oceania, and Africa, with increased frequency in cross-border e-commerce shipping lines. The city also aims to scale up bonded fuel oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering services for international vessels, initiatives expected to support the growth of related upstream and downstream business entities.
Shenzhen is also promoting the export of integrated services in digital and smart city solutions to regions including ASEAN, the Middle East, Latin America, Africa, and Southern Europe. The city plans to back municipal state-owned firms, centrally-administered enterprises based in Shenzhen, and competitive private companies in exporting technologies, services, and standards in digital energy, infrastructure, engineering, and commercial operations.
Li Yong, senior research fellow at the China Association of International Trade, noted that these steps reflect Shenzhen’s commitment to openness and its intent to leverage strengths in digital economy sectors. He added that the initiative will guide foreign trade-related enterprises in exploring diversified global markets amid rising external uncertainties, ultimately boosting trade across Shenzhen and the wider Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
According to the Shenzhen Special Zone Daily, the city’s ports added 14 international liner routes in the first quarter of 2025, reaching nearly 300 in total and connecting with over 300 ports across more than 100 countries. Six new international routes were launched through Yantian Port between January and April, strengthening trade access across Europe, the Americas, and Asia, along with more than 10 active cross-border e-commerce lines.
Beyond Shenzhen, other major Chinese ports are following suit. Qingdao Port in Shandong Province added three new routes to South America, Central and South America, and the Middle East in May, enhancing its connectivity with Belt and Road partner regions. The port now serves more than 180 countries and regions globally.
Dalian Port in Liaoning Province also expanded its reach, launching new maritime links to South Africa, the Mediterranean, and Mexico. These routes are vital for automobile exporters such as FAW, BMW Brilliance, and Chery, according to Liaoning Port Group.
Experts note that as China faces evolving multilateral trade challenges, expanding into new markets through strategic infrastructure enhancements is vital.
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