The China-Europe Railway Express, or China Railway Express (CRE), is key logistical cog in President Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road Initiative. It provides an alternative to container shipping for transporting Chinese manufactured goods to Europe via Russia.

Many shipping companies have pulled their vessels from the Suez Canal route as Houthi rebels in Yemen continue to fire at cargo ships. Some exporters are now using the overland rail route between China and Europe, with enquiries doubling since the Red Sea attacks began.