Two new shipping routes are bringing China's eastern coast closer to the shores of the Middle East and South America. Weihai Port in Shandong province has opened its first direct logistics links to both regions, marking a significant step in expanding its global reach.

The first vessel departed on Aug 28, carrying 110 Chinese-made medium buses to the United Arab Emirates. The route provides a faster, more cost-effective channel for Shandong-made machinery, commercial vehicles, and large equipment to reach Middle Eastern markets.

A ship at Shandong's Weihai Port is about to depart for United Arab Emirates. [Photo/Shandian News]

Just three days later, on Aug 31, the port launched a second route to South America, filling a key gap in its shipping network.

Machinery is shipped to South America. [Photo/Shandian News]

Together, the two new routes expand Weihai's international reach and strengthen its role in global supply chains. Weihai plans to further enhance the port's logistics capabilities and shipping services to fuel local enterprises' global presence.