China seeks to expand global influence of its railway innovations

China is stepping up its efforts to lead global railway innovation and expand its influence in setting international standards. Officials on Saturday announced the establishment of a new committee dedicated to standard internationalization at the annual meeting of the China Railway Science and Technology Innovation Alliance, according to China State Railway Group.

The 2025 conference, held in Beijing recently, reviewed the alliance's achievements over the past year and laid out key priorities for the coming period. Member organizations agreed to strengthen joint technological research and industrial applications to advance railway modernization and enhance China's position as a global rail technology leader.

The newly created Standard Internationalization Working Committee will focus on translating Chinese railway innovations into international and national standards, while deepening cooperation with key countries on cross-border standard alignment.

The alliance will accelerate breakthroughs in core railway technologies and promote the global influence of China's railway standards, according to the company. The committee also aims to expand China's participation in international railway rule-making and boost the country's voice in the sector.

Over the past year, China's railway system has achieved notable technological milestones. The Fuxing high-speed train project was awarded China's top national prize for scientific and technological progress, while the next-generation CR450 bullet train prototype was successfully developed and unveiled. Other achievements include the routine operation of 30,000 metric tons heavy-haul trains, advancements in smart railway systems, and the growing application of artificial intelligence across railway operations.

Looking ahead, the alliance plans to intensify its focus on major national strategies, accelerate the transformation of scientific breakthroughs into practical applications, and integrate railway innovation more deeply with industrial development.

The conference also saw the signing of an expanded joint funding agreement between the National Natural Science Foundation of China, China State Railway Group, and Hong Kong's MTR Corporation. The agreement boosts investment in fundamental railway research and strengthens cross-border collaboration between Hong Kong and Chinese mainland on railway technology.

Officials said the alliance will continue to unite research institutes, universities, railway companies, and industry players to build a broad-based platform for collaborative research across disciplines and sectors.

The push to internationalize standards comes as China's high-speed rail network, now the largest in the world, plays a growing role in the country's Belt and Road Initiative, through which it seeks to expand infrastructure links and trade partnerships globally.