China's high-speed rail network 80% complete: operator

China's railway infrastructure has seen consistent progress in recent years, with nearly 80 percent of its high-speed railway network now complete, the National Railway Administration said Wednesday.

Currently, the country's railway construction is primarily focused on building urban and intercity train lines, along with modern logistics hubs, said Tian Jun, chief engineer with the administration.

Boasting globally leading technological prowess in the sector, the country is prioritizing basic research and seeking breakthroughs in cutting-edge railway technologies to secure technological independence, Tian said.

Official data shows that as of the end of 2023, China's operating railway network spanned a total of about 159,000 km, with high-speed railways contributing 45,000 km to the mileage.

Chinese railways lead the world in passenger and freight turnover, with the Fuxing high-speed trains operating across 31 provincial-level regions nationwide, according to the administration.

In the meantime, China has set targets to complete prototype production of the CR450 EMU-bullet train designed for the top speed of 450 kilometers per hour. Testing was carried out this year, preparing for the train's debut by 2025, according to China State Railway Group.

Last year, bullet trains traveled at a speed of 453 km/h on test runs in Fujian province, collecting data for trains running under different speeds and at various areas along the railway such as in tunnels, on bridges and around curves.