China Is Building 30,000 Miles of High-Speed Rail—That It Might Not Need.

China is embarking on a massive high-speed rail project, with plans to exceed 30,000 miles of rail, despite concerns about its necessity and financial sustainability. The project, driven by Xi Jinping's vision for China's future, has already cost over $500 billion and is projected to reach nearly $1 trillion in debt. While the rail system is seen as a symbol of progress, questions remain about its economic viability and impact on individual citizens. Critics argue that the focus on high-speed rail may divert resources from other essential initiatives, such as building a stronger social safety net. [Extracted from the article]