Quote:After 2011, China's ports experienced significant growth and development, with many ports expanding their capacity and upgrading their infrastructure. The *Port of Shanghai*, for example, continued to solidify its position as the world's busiest port, handling over 43 million TEUs annually. Other major ports, such as the *Port of Ningbo-Zhoushan* and the *Port of Shenzhen*, also saw significant increases in cargo throughput and container traffic.

In 2012, the *Port of Rizhao* managed an impressive 284 million metric tons of cargo, ranking as China's tenth busiest port. The *Port of Qingdao* formed a strategic alliance with other Chinese ports and the largest port in South Korea, Busan, to establish a maritime and logistics hub in Northeast Asia. This partnership aimed to enhance regional trade and connectivity.

The *Port of Tianjin* became the largest port in Northern China, serving as the primary maritime gateway for Beijing. The port specializes in handling a range of cargo types, from bulk to containers, and connects with more than 600 ports worldwide. The *Port of Dalian* is another important port in North China, known for handling a diverse array of goods, including crude oil, minerals, and containers.

In recent years, China's ports have continued to invest in modernization and expansion, with a focus on increasing efficiency and reducing costs. The *Port of Xiamen*, for example, has become one of the world's largest ports, with a total cargo throughput of over 218 million tons in 2018. The port features 74 berths spread across 12 operational zones, nine of which are designated for container handling.

Overall, China's ports have experienced rapid growth and development since 2011, with many ports expanding their capacity and upgrading their infrastructure to meet the country's increasing trade demands ¹.