Their high speed train network is impressive, but none of it was new technology when they built it. The first train sets they bought were Siemens Velaro D, a mature high speed train system that has been around in Europe for almost a decade prior.

It ISN’T cost effective, but in China that doesn’t matter: what the state wants the state gets. No matter the cost. And I’m willing to bet that in 10 years time a lot of the stuff just doesn’t work anymore, line speeds get reduced and stops cancelled due to infrastructure not being maintained.

We have seen chinese prestige projects fall into disrepair time and again, and their extensive transport network will see the same fate.

Russia had some until the 90s as well.

I’m fundamentally against capital punishment. This could be an acceptable exception though.

Eat the rich!

I have never heard this bloc being called “BRIC”. Until recently the members were Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. BRICS. Why did they lose the S?

American (and european) car makers can’t fill that market need due to higher labour costs and stricter environmental laws.

Also the fact that the chinese government heavily subsidizes electric auto makers skews the market in favour of the chinese manufacturers.