China figures in Global Alliance routing.

Shanghai, Yantian on transpacific and Far East-Europe linehaul routes of alliance, which starts Jan. 1.

As five ocean carriers launch a partnership in the transpacific and Far East-Europe routes Jan. 1, their port rotations underscore the importance they place on the trade with China.

Participants in the so-called Global Alliance include American President Lines, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines and Orient Overseas Container Line. They, along with Nedlloyd Lines, already cooperate in an all-water service between the U.S. East Coast and the Far East. Malaysia International Shipping Co. is joining those four carriers in a Far East-Europe service.

APL and OOCL, which have …