ArrowArtboardCreated with Sketch.Title ChevronTitle ChevronIcon FacebookIcon LinkedinIcon Mail ContactPath LayerIcon MailPositive ArrowIcon Print
Economy

China pays a high price for world's fastest train

Breakneck pace of railway expansion leads to mountain of debt

China's "Fuxing" fast-speed train service between Beijing and Shanghai resumed operations at 350kph on Sept. 21, reclaiming the title of world's fastest train.   © Reuters

TOKYO -- When China recently reclaimed the title of having the world fastest train, it might have been a moment of national celebration. Instead, there were worries about whether the cost was worth it.

The "Fuxing" (rejuvenation) high-speed train service between Beijing and Shanghai returned to operating at 350kph on Sept. 21. For six years, it had been limited to 300kph following a crash in 2011 when two high-speed trains collided, killing 40 people and injuring about 200.

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored Content This content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.

Nikkei Asian Review, now known as Nikkei Asia, will be the voice of the Asian Century.

Celebrate our next chapter
Free access for everyone - Sep. 30

Find out more