First China-UK freight train as Xi seeks to lift trade

Transiting 12,000km across Asia, continental Europe and through the Channel Tunnel to the UK, the first China-London freight train has departed Yiwu in eastern Zhejiang province and is expected in the UK capital in 14 days’ time.

Operated by China Rail Corporation, the overall 18-day service carrying garments, bags, suitcases and other items will pass through Kazakhstan, Russia, Belarus, Poland, Germany, Belgium and France and forms part of president Xi Jingping’s efforts to strengthen trade ties between China and Europe.

London becomes the ...