In line with China’s “Belt and Road” initiative, economic and trade cooperation between China and Africa is becoming increasingly closer. The exchange of high-quality African mineral products and Chinese steel has begun, fostering positive interaction. Recently, a cargo ship carrying 60,000 tons of iron ore safely docked at Tie Shan Port, escorted by maritime patrol vessels from the North Sea Maritime Administration, and successfully completed unloading. This marks the successful commencement of the first voyage of the China-Africa “Belt and Road” trade route in 2025.
To ensure smooth and efficient vessel passage, maritime authorities in Guangxi have been collaborating with port and navigation services to enable real-time information sharing, overseeing ship security, and responding rapidly to any emergencies. This significantly reduces the approval time for vessels entering and leaving the port and allows for safety checks during unloading operations at the port.
According to maritime authorities, in 2024, 25 African ports, including Durban, Cape Town, Saldanha Bay, Djibouti, Whale Bay, and Suez, maintained efficient maritime trade with Guangxi’s Beihai, Fangchenggang, and Qinzhou ports, transporting a total of 6.73 million tons of goods, including iron ore, coal, crude oil, and steel.