China's Ministry of Transport and Ministry of Science and Technology is planning major improvements in the transport sector by 2035. The Communication calls for the transport sector to self-regulate key technologies and develop a technological innovation system to build a strong transport network by 2035.
Transport network at the forefront
Sun Wenjian, a spokesman for the Ministry of Transport, said at the online press conference that plans include research and development on new means of transport such as high-speed railways and commercial flights, as well as the technological feasibility of underwater floating tunnels.
The aim of the cooperation is to build a strong transport network that can become a world leader in quality, intelligence and green transport infrastructure.
"The draft emphasises the concept that the secure functioning of the country's transport sector is as important as the security of agriculture and grain, as the deteriorating geopolitical situation could expose the national economy's infrastructure to monumental risks," Wang Yanan, editor-in-chief of the Beijing-based Aerospace Knowledge magazine, told the Global Times.
World-leading rail technologies
China has already made significant progress in the transport sector in the past year, with world-class railway construction capacity and world-leading high-speed and freight rail technologies.
According to current plans, the overall national transport network will reach 700,000 kilometres by 2035, of which around 200,000 kilometres will be railways, and projects will be launched as a first step with the research and development of railways running at 400 km/h.
