Why China is going full speed ahead with debt-ridden high-speed rail

Projects hold value beyond profits, says official

20251105N China Changbaishan station

Changbai Mountain Station near the North Korean border: China's high-speed rail network spans the country but passenger volume is low and operator debts are rising. (Photo by Kohei Fujimura) 

KOHEI FUJIMURA

DALIAN, China -- China's ambitious high-speed rail build-up has resulted in debt approaching $1 trillion, but the country appears determined to stay the course.

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