The network dwarfs global rivals and has reshaped domestic travel – but analysts warn debt levels cannot be ignored
But some analysts have urged officials to hit the brakes.
“Many newly built HSR lines should not have been built if assessed according to the standards set by the central government,” said Zhao Jian, a professor at Beijing Jiaotong University.
As a manufacturing powerhouse, China needs greater freight capacity – especially for bulk commodities – but high-speed rail, which typically runs at about 300km/h, is limited to carrying passengers as the speed of travel is unsuitable for transporting heavy loads, he said.
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