A cargo ship loaded with containers departs from the Qingdao Port on May 19, 2026, in Qingdao, East China's Shandong Province. Loading and unloading operations are proceeding in an orderly manner at the port, reflecting bustling trade. China's merchandise trade reached 16.2 trillion yuan ($2.4 trillion) from January to April, up 14.9 percent year-on-year, official data showed. Photo: VCG