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Monday, September 24th, 2018

All aboard: Hong Kong bullet train signals high-speed integration with China

Author:    
Source:     The Raw Story/Reuters
Publication Date:     22 SEP 2018 AT 23:34 ET
Link: All aboard: Hong Kong bullet train signals high-speed integration with China
Stephan:   The United States spends its money on the military and war. It amounts to trillions of dollars. That's why our airports are so shabby, our roads so rough, our bridges so problematic, our water systems dangerous and failing. And as for trains; their status is pathetic. Other nations spend their money on building 21st-century infrastructure. This new Chinese train being but one example. We are falling further and further behind.

A Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail train is seen at West Kowloon Terminus at the first day of service of the Hong Kong Section of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link, in Hong Kong, China
Credit: REUTERS/Tyrone Siu

Hong Kong’s controversial bullet train got off to a smooth start on Sunday, as hundreds of passengers whistled north across the border at speeds of up to 200 kph (125 mph), deepening integration of the former British colony with mainland China.

While the $11 billion rail project has raised fears for some over Beijing’s encroachment on the Chinese-ruled city’s cherished freedoms, passengers at the sleek harbourfront station were full of praise for a service that reaches mainland China in less than 20 minutes.

“Out of 10 points, I give it nine,” said 10-year-old Ng Kwan-lap, who was traveling with his parents on the first train leaving for Shenzhen at 7 a.m.

“The train is great. It’s very smooth when it hits speeds of 200 kilometers per hour.”

Mainland Chinese immigration officers are stationed in one part of the modernist station […]

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