The Yangpu International Container Port in Danzhou, south China's Hainan Province, reached a new milestone on Thursday as its annual container throughput surpassed three million 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs), officially placing it among the ranks of international hub ports.

The port added three large-scale berths this year to boost handling capacity and improve efficiency.

Over the years, it has undergone a profound transformation. Once a small, remote harbor focused mainly on domestic trade with limited container-handling capacity, Yangpu has grown into a key node in the global shipping network. Its shipping routes now connect Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and other Belt and Road Initiative partner countries.

After the launch of the Hainan Free Trade Port, Yangpu Port has capitalized on “zero-tariff” policy incentives to expand capacity and enhance customs efficiency, strengthening its role as a higher-level gateway linking China with global markets.

On Thursday, China rolled out island-wide special customs operations in the Hainan Free Trade Port - the world's largest free trade port by area -- easing access for overseas goods, expanding zero-tariff coverage, and introducing more business-friendly measures.