First direct London-China train completes 12,000 km run

The first freight train to link China directly to the UK arrived in the Chinese city of Yiwu after covering over 12,000-kms (7,500 miles), making it the second-longest route in the world.-AFP

Beijing (AFP) - Laden with whisky and baby milk, the first freight train linking China directly to the UK arrived in the eastern Chinese city of Yiwu Saturday after a 12,000-kilometre (7,500-mile) trip, becoming the world's second-longest rail route.

The journey is the latest effort in China's drive to strengthen trade links with western Europe along a modern-day "Silk Road" route.