China to aid US high-speed rail?

US to learn from China

It makes sense: if you were building your own high-speed rail network, you would turn to a country that has had recent success in a such venture, and as result has the fastest trains in the world. As such, news that China may be offering technical support to the US's high-speed rail project(s) suggests that the development is gathering speed (no pun intended).

According to the New York Times, the Chinese government has signed "cooperation agreements" with both the State of California and General Electric to help build high-speed rail lines in the state. While these deals are prelimiary, they show how despite recent spats - such as the Google/China dispute - there is a strong desire from China to become a major global player. In this case, in the exporter and licensor of high-speed trains.

It would also add another string to China's bow as a puveyor of environmentally friendly, renewable technology. Already, the country is leading the world in terms of renewable energy ambitions, but its recently finished Guangzhou to Changsha high-speed rail route has become the envy of the world.

Capable of making a 968km trip in under three hours, China's high-speed trains have eclipsed US efforts in recent years and as such, America is hoping to learn from the current market leaders.

Californian governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has apparantly already begun talks with China and hopes that the country's rail minister will pay the Sunshine State a visit. Zheng Jian, the chief planner and director of high-speed rail at China’s railway ministry, has previously said of a China-US rail alliance, "We are the most advanced in many fields, and we are willing to share with the United States."

Technology, advice... and financing?

While technology, equipment and advice was expected from China, the biggest surprise has come from rumours that China may also be offering to help finance the Californian high-speed rail corridor. According to the New York Times, "Chinese officials have already been shuttling between Beijing and Sacramento to make presentations".

However China isn't the only one offering aid: other high-speed rail countries such as Japan, Germany, South Korea, Spain, France and Italy have also approached California’s High Speed Rail Authority with offers of aid.

Although no decision has yet be made, the Times did report that "Governor Schwarzenegger particularly wanted to visit China this year for high-speed rail discussions."

It would make sense though that the country with the fastest trains in the world would be the frontrunner in such an endeavour.

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Timon Singh

Timon Singh is a graduate of Liverpool University where he received a degree in Social and Economic History. He has previously worked for BBC Magazines on BBC Who Do You Think You Are? Magazine, the publication for the popular genealogy show.

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