China's Infrastructure Surge Dwarfs U.S. Pace with 45,000 km of High-Speed Rail and 27 Nuclear Plants Under Construction

BEIJING, China – A stark contrast in infrastructure development between China and the United States has been highlighted by Dan Wang of The Free Press, who observes China's rapid transformation compared to the U.S.'s slower progress. "From high-speed rail lines to nuclear plants, China has reshaped its landscape in a single generation. The U.S. can barely finish a subway extension," Wang stated, underscoring a perceived disparity in national ambition and execution.

China has indeed embarked on an unprecedented building spree, establishing the world's most extensive high-speed rail network. By the end of 2023, China's operating high-speed railway tracks reached 45,000 kilometers, with plans to extend to 50,000 kilometers by 2025. This rapid expansion, often at a third of the cost per kilometer compared to other nations, is a testament to China's "engineering state" approach, prioritizing swift, large-scale project completion.

Beyond rail, China is leading the global nuclear power industry, with 27 nuclear reactors currently under construction—more than two and a half times any other country. The nation aims to build 6 to 8 new nuclear plants annually, anticipating surpassing the U.S. in nuclear-generated electricity by 2030. Projects like the Shidaowan-1, the world's first fourth-generation nuclear power plant, demonstrate China's commitment to advanced energy solutions, often completing construction in seven years or less.

In contrast, the United States, despite being the world leader in nuclear energy output with 94 operational reactors, has only launched two new nuclear plants in the past decade. The Vogtle Unit 4 plant in Georgia, for instance, faced significant delays and cost overruns, ballooning from an initial $14 billion to $30 billion and taking approximately 10 years to complete. This highlights the challenges faced by the U.S., which Wang characterizes as a "lawyerly society" where complex regulations and litigation often impede large-scale projects.

The disparity extends to urban transit, where U.S. subway extensions often encounter prolonged timelines and budgetary issues. Wang's analysis suggests that China's centralized, outcome-oriented governance allows for efficient coordination and deployment of resources, enabling it to execute ambitious infrastructure projects at a "breakneck" pace. This strategic focus on building robust physical infrastructure is seen as a key component of China's national development and global competitiveness.