(Yicai Global) Feb. 28 -- China has for the first time imported Australian iron ore by ship and then across the border by train.

A freight train loaded with 600 tons of Australian iron ore entered China via the railway bridge between the country and Vietnam, the website of China National Radio reported, citing an official at China Railway Kunming Group, a unit of state-owned China Railway.

Following the trial's success, China will import more iron ore from Australia in future, according to Zhou Jie, head of the department of international joint transport at China Railway Kunming Group.

The ore formed part of a batch that was shipped from Australia mid-month to Hai Phong in Vietnam and then transferred to rail for its onward journey. The route will now go on to play an important role in connecting China and countries in Oceania.

To ensure the commodity's smooth transport, Chinese customs officials arrived at Hai Phong Port in advance. They made inspections and took samples during and after the transfer to rail, improving the efficiency of the cargo's movement.