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China overtakes Japan with world’s fastest train

China is set to overtake Japan as the country with the world’s fastest trains after its government gave permission to increase top line speed to 350kph (220mph), writes Didi Tang.

Speeds had been limited to 300kph (190mph) in 2011 following two fatal accidents, but will rise again from September 21 after the introduction of a new generation of trains.

At the new high speed, journeys between Beijing and Shanghai will be cut by 30 minutes to four-and-a-half hours which authorities hope will stimulate economic growth.

We've read it in: The Times, August 25, Page 40