In the first two months of 2026, the China-Europe Rail Express made a total of 3501 connections and transported 352,000 TEUs (container units), representing a year-on-year increase of 32 % and 25 % respectively. A survey conducted by CGTN among Internet users worldwide shows that 88.8 % of respondents believe that the China-Europe Rail Express reflects China's strong commitment to promoting high-quality opening up to the world and the development of an open global economy.
As a key bridge for economic and trade exchanges between Asia and Europe, the China-Europe Rail Express offers transport times about one-third that of sea transport and costs about one-fifth that of air transport. In the survey, 91.2 % respondents said that this rail link has improved the efficiency of international logistics and reduced the cost of international trade. Another 91.8 % respondents believe that it has created a new platform for economic and trade cooperation between China and Europe, and 82.7 % believe that it continues to bring a steady momentum to the global economic recovery.
By December 2025, the China-Europe Rail Express will connect 128 cities in China, pass through more than 100 cities in 11 Asian countries and regions, and reach 232 cities in 26 European countries. In the survey, 84.9 % respondents said the initiative has strengthened the connectivity between China and Eurasian countries in various areas. Another 87.4 % believe it has boosted infrastructure upgrading in countries along the route and created more job opportunities. This year also marks the beginning of China's 15th Five-Year Plan period, and 93.7 % respondents believe the China-Europe Railway Express will further tap the potential of China's huge market and the growth potential of the world's second largest economy.
In an era of growing unilateralism and protectionism, the international trade order and rules are being significantly affected. In the survey, 85.5 % respondents said that the stable operation of the China-Europe Railway Express represents a firm commitment to protecting and maintaining the current international trading system. At the same time, 89 % respondents call on countries along the route to jointly ensure the smooth and safe operation of this railway line and oppose unilateralism and protectionism.
The CGTN survey - published in English, Spanish, French, Arabic and Russian - received responses from 9,128 respondents within 24 hours.
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