Reference News Network, January 16 report: On January 13, the website of the American magazine "Around the World" published an article titled "China Continues to Lead Global High-Speed Rail Construction," the following is a compilation of the report:
China continues to lead the world in high-speed rail construction. With its unparalleled development speed and technical advantages in this field, China has set new global standards for high-speed rail construction. By 2025, China's high-speed rail network has crossed multiple important milestones, further consolidating its position as a major player in the global railway industry. Continuous investment in infrastructure, along with bold development plans, ensures that China remains at the forefront of the global railway sector. With record-breaking passenger numbers and an expanding railway network, China's railway system is bringing about a revolution in the future of high-speed rail.
In 2025, China's high-speed rail operating mileage exceeded an astonishing 50,000 kilometers. Continued investment in railway infrastructure ensures that China will remain the leading country in this field for years to come.
During the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), China's railway network increased from 14.63 million kilometers to 16.5 million kilometers, representing a significant growth of nearly 13%. The most remarkable growth was in the high-speed rail sector, where China's high-speed rail operating mileage surged from 3.79 million kilometers to 5.04 million kilometers, an increase of 33%. At this point, the total length of China's high-speed rail network has exceeded the combined total of all other high-speed rail systems worldwide, highlighting China's unmatched position in this field.
In addition to the increase in railway operating mileage, the number of passengers served by China's railway system is also increasing, indicating a growing reliance on railway travel.
China's high-speed rail network is not only the largest in the world, but also the most advanced in technology. China has built an extensive high-speed rail system connecting all regions. The vast scale and cutting-edge technology of China's high-speed rail system have set new benchmarks for global railway travel.
The Chinese government continues to vigorously promote the development and improvement of the railway network. In 2025, China's investment in railway infrastructure reached 901.5 billion yuan, an increase of 6% compared to the previous year. This funding helped add more than 3,100 kilometers of railway, including 2,862 kilometers of high-speed rail lines. This continuous investment ensures that China's railway network can keep up with the growing development demands.
According to reports, in 2026 alone, China plans to add over 2,000 kilometers of railway lines. By 2030, China plans to expand its railway network to approximately 180,000 kilometers, with high-speed rail lines reaching about 60,000 kilometers. This will further solidify China's position as a global leader in high-speed rail, offering passengers more travel options.
In addition to domestic development, China has made significant progress on the international stage. China has actively participated in overseas railway construction projects, such as the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Railway. This project is part of a large-scale effort by China and its neighboring countries to achieve railway connectivity and strengthen cross-border trade and interconnectivity.
China is also promoting international cooperation in the railway sector. In 2025, the Serbian section of the Hungary-Serbia Railway was fully operational, further expanding China's influence in the global railway industry. Additionally, in Southeast Asia, the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway in Indonesia has been successfully operating for two years. This line has transported over 13 million passengers, demonstrating China's determination to export high-speed rail technology to other countries.
Looking ahead, China's railway operators plan to continue advancing international railway projects and strengthening cross-border transportation systems. By building new railways with countries in Asia, Europe, and other regions, China will not only enhance global connectivity but also promote regional economic development. These international projects are crucial to China's overall strategy of expanding its influence through infrastructure development and promoting economic ties.
The success of China's high-speed rail network has set a model for other countries seeking to improve their own railway systems. As China continues to invest in railway infrastructure and expand its network, it is undoubtedly going to maintain its leading position in the global high-speed rail sector. With ambitious planning and growing influence in international railway projects, China's high-speed rail system is expected to bring revolutionary changes to global railway travel for many years to come. (Translation by Tu Qi)
Original source: toutiao.com/article/7595789017812173339/
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