Does the current situation in Ukraine impact China-Europe transport?

The conflict between Ukraine and Russia is crucial for goods flowing from China to Europe, but how will the current Ukraine-Russia crisis impact China-Europe transport?

Beijing definitely does not want to see a war. If Beijing takes a more hostile stance toward Ukraine or supports Russia, the effect of China’s “the Belt and Road" investments in Ukraine and other East-Central European countries will be further diminished, according to Su Ziyun, director of the Institute of Military Strategy and Industry at Taiwan's National Defense and Security Research Institute.

Shi Yinhong, an expert on international relations at Renmin University of China, said, "China would prefer that Russian troops not enter Ukraine. Because if that happens, the United States and the West will isolate Russia along with China."

In early February, State Department spokesman Ned Price said publicly that if Chinese companies try to bypass export controls against Russia, they will need to bear the consequences as well.

In the past 2 years, the epidemic has led to chaos in sea and air transport, and the advantages of land transport between China and Europe have become more and more obvious, with the New Silk Road land route becoming a preferred option of many Chinese and European companies.?

Road transport:

Our main trucking routes from China to the EU do NOT go through Ukraine, but through Kazakhstan, Russia, Belarus, Poland, and then other European countries. Possible impacts are increased prices and congestion on the border between Poland and Belarus.

Railways:

Russian Railways has announced it will suspend all trains to and from Ukraine, including empty trains. The main routes between China and the EU NOT pass through Ukraine, only 1? route passes through Ukraine and is already redirected. Remember that the China-Europe railroad is not only one line, but a network, there are many other available options. The current situation will create additional congestion on the main line through Malaszewicze.

Air transport:

International airlines are diverting via other countries after Ukrainian airspace was closed to civilian air traffic following a Russian military invasion.

Sea Freight:

Prices for ocean shipping from China to Europe are increasing. All Ukrainian ports have been temporarily taken over by the government, and ships are no longer allowed to call at Ukrainian ports.