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

November 8, 2025 10:39 JST

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.