surpassing the United States and Russia combined", China is firmly in the first place

The Rise of China's Railways: How to Lead the New Pattern of Global Transportation

In recent years, China's railway industry has been booming, and its capacity and operational efficiency have continuously set new historical records, showing a strong competitive advantage in the global transportation industry. According to the latest data, in June 2024, China's railway freight volume and freight turnover hit a record high for the same period in history, surpassing the combined railway freight volume of United States and Russia, ranking first in the world. This achievement not only reflects the continuous breakthrough of China Railway in infrastructure construction, operation management, technological innovation and other aspects, but also shows that China Railway is leading the new transformation of the global transportation industry.

As the world's second largest economy, China's economic development has always played a pivotal role. As an important part of China's transportation system, the rapid rise of railways will have a profound impact on the global industrial chain and supply chain. This article will systematically expound the rise of China's railway, the "national business card", from the aspects of the development process, unique advantages, and shaping of the global transportation industry pattern, and present readers with a magnificent picture of China's railway development.

1. Breaking the waves: the tenacious course of China's railway development

Since the reform and opening up, the road of China's railway industry has not been smooth sailing. From the initial stage of construction, to the subsequent upgrading and transformation, and now to the world's leading position, China Railway has always been overcoming many challenges and showing tenacity in its development process.

1. Initial stage: from "bottleneck" to "bright spot"

In the 80s of the 20th century, with the rapid growth of China's economy, railway transportation gradually became a "bottleneck" restricting economic development. At that time, the density of the railway network was low, the lines were aging, the equipment was backward, and the transportation capacity was seriously insufficient, which directly affected the normal operation of the national economy.

To this end, the Chinese government attaches great importance to the construction of railway infrastructure and has successively introduced a series of policies and measures. In 1981, the State Council approved the railway construction plan for the Seventh Five-Year Plan period, marking a new stage in China's railway construction. In the following years, the length of China's railway lines continued to increase, and the transportation capacity increased significantly, gradually transforming from an initial "bottleneck" to a "bright spot" of economic development.

2. Transition period: from "big" to "strong"

In the 21st century, with the continuous enhancement of China's comprehensive national strength, the railway industry has also ushered in a critical period of comprehensive transformation and upgrading. In 2004, China Railway Corporation was formally established, marking the modernization of the railway operation and management system.

Since then, China Railway has made breakthroughs in technological innovation, operation management, and service quality. The construction of high-speed railways is in full swing, EMU technology has continued to make breakthroughs, the organization of railway transportation has become more refined, and the service level has been significantly improved. The railway has shifted from the simple pursuit of "large" scale to the pursuit of "strong" strength, continuously optimizing the allocation of resources and improving operational efficiency.

3. Leading period: from "following" to "leading"

In 2013, China proposed the Belt and Road Initiative, which injected new impetus into the development of the railway industry. China attaches great importance to the role of railways in the construction of the Belt and Road Initiative, vigorously promotes railway infrastructure construction and international cooperation, and continuously improves the transportation system of "railway + multimodal transport".

In this context, the strength of China's railways has been continuously strengthened, showing unique advantages in the world. From the initial "follower" to today's "leader", China's railway is reshaping the new pattern of global transportation with its strong strength. According to the data of June 2024, China's railway freight volume and freight turnover have surpassed the sum of the United States and Russia, ranking first in the world, marking that China's railways have officially entered a "leading period".

2. "Gold Medal" Strength: The Advantage of China's Railways

From infrastructure construction to management model innovation, to technological upgrading and breakthroughs, the development of China's railway industry can be described as "comprehensive transcendence". It is these unique advantages that make China's railways emerge in the global transportation pattern and become a "gold medal" that has attracted much attention.

1. Hard power: leading railway network density and capacity

Railway infrastructure construction is the foundation of China's railway development. After years of continuous investment and construction, China already has the densest railway network in the world. As of 2024, China's railway operating mileage has reached 158,000 kilometers, ranking first in the world, and the density has also reached 1.6 kilometers per 100 square kilometers, three times the world average.

The high-density railway network provides solid transportation support for China's economic and social development. At the same time, China also has the world's largest high-speed railway mileage, reaching 38,000 kilometers, accounting for more than 70% of the global total. The wide application of high-speed railways has not only greatly improved the overall capacity of China's railways, but also brought comprehensive advantages such as advanced technology, safety and reliability.

In terms of transportation capacity, China's railways also rank among the top in the world. In June 2024, China's railway freight volume and freight turnover reached a new high, reaching 332 million tons and 266.5 billion ton-kilometers, respectively, surpassing the United States and Russia combined, ranking first in the world. It can be seen that the huge railway network and strong transportation capacity have made China's railways the most powerful "big country" in the world.

2. Soft power: leading operation management and service level

In addition to hard power, China's railways are also constantly refreshing global standards in terms of operation management and service levels.

On the one hand, China's railway management system has been continuously improved, and the operational efficiency has been continuously improved. Founded in 2004, China Railway Corporation has realized the modernization and transformation of railway operation and management, introduced scientific decision-making, standardized processes, refined control and other concepts and means, and greatly improved the overall operation level.

On the other hand, China's railways have also continued to make efforts in terms of service quality. The operation of high-speed railway has brought a more comfortable and safe travel experience to passengers; Freight services have improved the timeliness and professionalism by adopting multimodal transport and cold chain logistics modes. At the same time, the railway department is constantly optimizing customer service and improving the intelligence and personalization of the transport organization.

It can be said that China's railways are gradually transforming from a single means of transportation to a comprehensive operator of "transportation + service", providing customers with more high-quality and efficient all-round solutions. The continuous accumulation of this "soft power" is also the key to China's railways to stand out from the global competition.

3. Innovation power: scientific and technological innovation leads the world

Scientific and technological innovation is the key to promoting the high-quality development of the railway industry. In recent years, China Railway has continued to make efforts in core technology research and development, equipment manufacturing, etc., and has continuously led the global railway technology change.

In the field of high-speed railway, China has mastered complete independent intellectual property rights, and has formed a world-leading capacity in the whole industry chain such as design, manufacturing and operation. China's standard EMU technology has become an important leader in the development of the world's railways, injecting strong impetus into the global railway modernization.

In addition, China Railway has also made a series of major breakthroughs in key areas such as railway signaling, electrification, and intelligence. The application of advanced technologies such as the new generation of train control system and electric traction system has not only improved the overall operation capacity of China's railways, but also pointed out the direction of innovation and development for the global railway industry.

It can be said that China's railways are becoming an important engine leading the global railway technology change by virtue of their independent innovation capabilities. The continuous release of this "innovation power" will surely inject lasting impetus into the long-term development of China's railways.

3. "National Business Card": China's railways are reshaping the global landscape

With the continuous enhancement of China's railway strength, its position and role in the global economic pattern are becoming increasingly prominent. Whether it is the construction of the Silk Road Economic Belt or the advancement of regional integration, China's railways are playing an irreplaceable and important role.

1. Promote the construction of the "Belt and Road".

In 2013, China proposed the Belt and Road Initiative, which injected new impetus into global economic development. Railways, as a key link connecting the three continents of Asia, Europe and Africa, play a key role in this great initiative.

China is vigorously promoting the construction of "railway + multimodal transport" international transport corridors, and constantly improving key railway corridors such as the Eurasian Land Bridge. At the same time, China has also actively promoted the construction of railway infrastructure in countries along the Belt and Road, improved the level of connectivity, and made important contributions to the construction of the "Belt and Road".

It can be said that China's railways are increasingly becoming the "national business card" of the "Belt and Road" construction. Efficient and convenient railway transportation not only injects strong impetus into the economic development of countries along the route, but also drives the deep integration of global industrial and supply chains. With the deepening of the "Belt and Road" construction, China's railways will play a more important role in reshaping the global economic map.

2. Leading the process of regional integration

In addition to the Belt and Road Initiative, China's railways also play an important role in promoting regional integration.

Taking the Yangtze River Delta region as an example, China attaches great importance to the construction and optimization of the railway network in the Yangtze River Delta region. In recent years, China has continuously improved its regional high-speed rail network and accelerated the construction of intercity railways, improving the efficiency of the movement of people and goods within the region.

At the same time, China has also actively promoted the in-depth integration of multimodal transport systems such as railways and ports in the Yangtze River Delta region, and has built a number of comprehensive logistics hubs with efficient and intelligent operations. These measures not only improve the efficiency of regional transportation, but also effectively promote the process of regional integration in the Yangtze River Delta.

Similar cases can also be found in other regions such as Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei and the Pearl River Delta. It can be said that China's railways are helping all regions to accelerate the integrated development with its strong comprehensive strength, and inject lasting impetus into the coordinated development of the region.

3. Shape a new pattern of global transportation

As China's railway strength continues to rise, its position in the global transportation map is also being redefined.

According to the data, in June 2024, China's railway freight volume and freight turnover have surpassed the sum of the United States and Russia, ranking first in the world. This means that not only in terms of technological innovation, management level, etc., but also in terms of scale and strength, China's railways have surpassed the traditional railway powers.

This breakthrough is profoundly changing the landscape of the global transportation industry. With its strong "magnetic field effect", China's railways are attracting and integrating global industrial and supply chain resources, reshaping international logistics corridors and hubs.

In the future, with the continuous deepening of the construction of the "Belt and Road" and the acceleration of regional integration, China's railways will play a more critical role in the reshaping of the new global transportation pattern. Its strong strength and broad development prospects will also bring new opportunities and challenges to all countries in the world.

epilogue

From the initial "bottleneck" to today's "national business card", the development process of China's railway industry reflects the magnificent historical picture of a major country catching up and leading.

It is with solid infrastructure, advanced management level and continuous scientific and technological innovation that China's railways are showing their unique strength and advantages to the world. In the process of "Belt and Road" construction and regional integration, China's railway has become a key "national business card" and is reshaping the new pattern of global transportation.

Looking forward to the future, China's railways will surely ride the wind and waves and continue to write a more brilliant chapter. In this process, China's railways will not only contribute lasting impetus to the country's economic and social development, but also inject new vitality into the global economic prosperity.

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4. Global win-win cooperation: the international layout of China's railways

As a responsible major country, China's railways are actively participating in the common development of the global railway industry. Whether it is technology output or business cooperation, China Railway is striving to promote the common progress of the railway industry of all countries and seek "win-win cooperation" in the true sense.

Technology output: leading the global railway modernization

China's outstanding achievements in technological innovation have not only benefited China, but are also gradually spreading to the world. In recent years, China Railway has actively promoted international standardization cooperation and exported its self-developed core technologies to all over the world.

For example, China's standard EMU technology has been widely used in many countries and regions, contributing to the modernization of the local railway industry. In addition, China has also led the formulation of a series of international railway standards, which has greatly enhanced the influence of China's railway technology in the world.

At the same time, China Railway also helps countries along the route to improve the level of railway construction and operation through joint research and development, technology transfer, etc. This not only speeds up the construction of the local railway network, but also trains much-needed professionals for the local area.

It can be said that China's railways are exporting advanced technology and mature experience to the world to help the global railway industry achieve higher-quality development. This "export-oriented" international cooperation model will further consolidate China's leading position in the world.

Business cooperation: share development dividends

In addition to technology export, China Railway has spared no effort in international business cooperation, and is committed to achieving mutual benefit and win-win results with other countries in the world.

Under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, China Railway actively participates in the construction and operation and management of railway infrastructure in countries along the route, effectively integrating logistics resources in the region. For example, the China-Europe Express, by connecting the Eurasian continent, not only meets the transportation needs of countries along the route, but also drives the deep integration of the transnational industrial chain.

At the same time, China Railway has also carried out extensive cooperation with international partners in the fields of ports and terminals, logistics parks, etc., and jointly built a number of efficient and convenient multimodal transport hubs. These initiatives have not only improved regional transport efficiency, but also created new development opportunities for all parties.

It can be said that China's railways are sharing development dividends with the railway industry of all countries in the world with its unique advantages. Through the mutually beneficial and win-win cooperation model, China Railway is promoting the reconstruction of the global railway industry chain and leading the railway industry into a new era of win-win cooperation.

5. Prospects: The long-term planning of China's railways

Looking forward to the future, with the continuous enhancement of China's comprehensive national strength, China's railway industry will also usher in a broader space for development. In the future, China Railway will continue to make efforts to serve the national strategy, improve transportation efficiency, and promote green development, and make greater contributions to economic and social development.

Serving the national strategy: helping to build a new development pattern

At present, China is in a critical period of building a new development pattern. As an important support for the national economy, China's railways will undoubtedly play a key role in this process.

On the one hand, China Railway will further optimize the domestic and foreign transportation channels of "railway + multimodal transport" to provide strong impetus for regional coordinated development and national market integration. At the same time, China Railway will also accelerate the pace of intelligent reform and inject new momentum into the high-quality development of the manufacturing industry.

On the other hand, China Railway will continue to deepen its opening up and cooperation to provide more efficient transportation support for the construction of the "Belt and Road". The continuous improvement of the international railway corridor will surely become an important link linking the rest of the world and promote the optimization and reshaping of the global industrial chain and supply chain.

It can be said that China's railways are contributing irreplaceable key support to the country's construction of a new development pattern with its all-round development potential.

Improving transportation efficiency: Building a smart rail network

With the vigorous rise of a new round of scientific and technological revolution, China's railways will further accelerate the pace of intelligent transformation and create a more intelligent and efficient transportation system.

In the future, China Railway will continue to strengthen technological innovation in the fields of intelligent scheduling, autonomous driving, and energy management, and greatly improve operational efficiency and service levels. At the same time, China Railway will also deepen the integration and application of new technologies such as 5G, big data, and cloud computing, and build a more intelligent and digital railway network.

The construction of this "smart railway" will not only greatly improve the transportation organization capacity and service quality of China's railways, but also become an important model for leading the digital transformation of the global railway industry. China's railways are moving towards the intelligent direction of "fast, efficient and green", which will surely bring a new experience to people's travel and logistics.

Promoting green development: Building sustainable transport

As an important part of the transportation sector, China's railways play a key role in promoting green transportation development and achieving carbon neutrality.

In the future, China Railway will further strengthen energy conservation and emission reduction, promote clean power technologies such as electric traction and hydrogen energy, and strive to create a more environmentally friendly and efficient mode of transportation. At the same time, China Railways will also speed up the construction of green railway infrastructure, such as elevated lines and tunnels, to minimize the impact on the ecological environment.

At the same time, China Railway will continue to promote the deep integration of railways with highways, aviation, water transportation and other modes of transportation, and build a green and efficient multimodal transport system. This will not only significantly reduce energy consumption and emissions, but also improve the overall level of transportation services and inject new momentum into social and economic development.

It can be said that China's railways are becoming an important force leading the development of green transportation. In the future, China's railways will play a more important role in sustainable development and contribute to the construction of a beautiful China.

In general, China's railways are moving forward with their solid foundation and strong strength, and are playing an increasingly important role in serving national strategies, improving transportation efficiency, and promoting green development. In the future, China's railways will continue to write a more brilliant chapter, inject lasting impetus into social and economic development, and contribute to the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.