A growing network of rail lines now connects China with Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, and potentially Singapore, linking China with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

As of 2025, China has been involved in 78 African port projects, across 32 countries, accounting for one-third of the continent’s port infrastructure.

The China-Europe Railway Express (中欧班列), which first began operation in 2011, is one of the world’s largest freight rail systems—connecting over 200 destinations across Europe, Central Asia, Russia, and South Asia.

China’s investment in Chancay Port shortens shipping time from China to South America from 45 days to 23 days.

China has shortened the shipping distance to Germany to 15 days, to Peru to 22 days, and to Eastern Africa to 29 days.