Photo taken in Xuzhou, Jiangsu province, Feb 8, 2014. [Photo by Chen Xiaodong/provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

China plans to expand its own high-speed network to roughly 19,000 km by the end of this year. A high density network spanning the length and breadth of the country is eyed by 2030.

This will be a big year for made-in-China rail going global. A high-speed project linking China and Thailand is to start, and all eyes are on China's second bid for Mexico's $3.75 billion high-speed project.