Part IV Confidence: China's ports steadily support global supply chains; 'port + free trade' creates new opportunities

In 2025, China's coastal ports maintained stable operations in safeguarding supply chain resilience. Interviewed ports reported improvements in vessel scheduling, berthing, loading/unloading, customs clearance, and transfer efficiency, while others described overall smooth and steady performance. Despite trade protectionism from certain countries that have disrupted global industrial chains, China's coastal ports effectively sustained supply chain stability, providing continuous and reliable logistics support for domestic and international markets.

As frontiers of opening-up, Chinese ports serve as critical hubs in global trade and socioeconomic development. In 2025, coastal ports continued to advance opening-up to the rest of the world.

On Dec 18, the Hainan Free Trade Port initiated island-wide independent customs operations - a landmark measure underscoring China's resolute commitment to high-standard opening-up. Institutional innovations such as "zero-tariff" policies are expected to further highlight the role of ports as a hub for shipping and navigation.

In the first three quarters of 2025, Hainan's Yangpu Port handled 2.145 million TEUs, reflecting a 48.4 percent year-on-year increase. Since the beginning of 2025, Yangpu Port has added 14 domestic and international trade routes, bringing the total container lines to 64, with strategic partnerships established with multiple renowned international ports.

Zhou Mi, a senior researcher at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, told the Global Times that China is continuously promoting trade facilitation through innovative customs supervision measures and paperless clearance - many of which are implemented at ports. Given that a substantial portion of China's trade transits through ports, efficiency gains not only enhance international competitiveness but also ensure stable business development.

To deepen opening-up and international cooperation, coastal ports have actively expanded overseas markets. For example, Lianyungang Port organized a delegation to Korea this year for promotional activities, visiting local logistics companies to advance international rail services. The port also facilitated visits from enterprises such as South Korea's Taewoong Logistics, further broadening international collaboration.

Xiamen Port has vigorously expanded Belt and Road routes, adding 16 such lines in 2025 to meet regional trade logistics demands. Concurrently, Xiamen Port partnered with PSA International to develop a multimodal smart logistics center, advancing integrated logistics projects.

High-level opening-up necessitates seamless connectivity and synergy between domestic and international resources. Coastal ports function both as vital gateways for external opening-up and key nodes in dual circulation. Multiple ports indicated plans to pursue even higher-level opening-up and international cooperation in the coming year, further strengthening their hub status in regional trade and global supply chains.

Looking ahead to 2026, interviewed coastal ports anticipate increased external uncertainty. When asked whether potential international trade turbulence or other uncertainties in 2026 would affect development confidence, most responded to the Global Times: "Slight impact, but proactive response."

One interviewed port highlighted top 2026 external risks, including geopolitical and trade policy uncertainties, strategic adjustments by international carriers, and potential loss of ocean or emerging regional routes. To address complex conditions, the port plans to continue focusing on container business, advancing major-client strategies, expanding domestic and international trade routes, and increasing overall volumes. Overall interview findings indicate that ports maintain clear awareness of potential risks while holding cautiously optimistic views on sustaining relatively stable operations.