Nation drives global rail innovation ambitions

China is intensifying its drive to lead global railway innovation and expand its influence in setting international standards, officials announced on Saturday. A new committee dedicated to standard internationalization has been established, according to China State Railway Group.

The announcement was made at a recently held annual meeting of the China Railway Science and Technology Innovation Alliance in Beijing. The 2025 conference reviewed the alliance's achievements over the past year and outlined key priorities going ahead. Member organizations agreed to strengthen joint technological research and industrial applications to advance railway modernization and enhance China's position as a technology leader in the global rail sector.

The newly established Standards Internationalization Working Committee will systematically promote the integration of China's railway technical standards with international standards.

It will also deepen cooperation with key countries on cross-border standard alignment.

The alliance aims to accelerate breakthroughs in core railway technologies and promote the global influence of China's railway standards. The committee also seeks 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 achieved notable technological milestones. The Fuxing high-speed train project received China's top national prize for scientific and technological progress. Additionally, 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 included 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. This agreement boosts investment in fundamental railway research and strengthens cross-border collaboration between Hong Kong and the 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 platform for collaborative research across disciplines and sectors.

The push to internationalize standards comes as China's high-speed rail network, 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.