Prototypes of world's fastest high-speed train highlight China's advancements in rail technology

Prototypes of the CR450 bullet train, with a test speed of up to 450 kilometers per hour and an operational speed of 400 kilometers per hour, were debuted in Beijing on Sunday, highlighting China's cutting-edge advancements in operational speed, energy efficiency, interior noise reduction and braking performance.

The CR450 is significantly faster than the CR400 Fuxing high-speed trains currently in service, which operate at speeds of 350 kilometers per hour.

Compared to its predecessors, the overall operational resistance of the CR450 will be decreased by 22 percent and its weight will be cut by 10 percent, according to China Railway.

The new prototypes are two CR450 models: the CR450AF and the CR450BF, both featuring an eight-car formation with four powered and four non-powered carriages, according to CRRC Corporation Limited (CRRC), China's leading train maker.

"The length of the locomotive has been extended from the original 12.5 meters to 15 meters, and the slenderness ratio of the entire train has also been adjusted with the main purpose to reduce its aerodynamic resistance," said Li Hongwei, deputy general manager of CRRC Changchun Railway Vehicles Co., Ltd.

The CR450 also introduces a new bogie enclosure design to minimize air resistance at high speeds, along with a streamlined low-drag, sharp-nosed front, aerodynamic windshields and lightweight materials.

"You can see the wheels here. Originally, the entire bogie of the CR350 was exposed, but now that of CR450 is fully covered by the shell structure. It aligns with the design philosophy of our advanced fighter jets, aiming to allow the train to operate more smoothly at high speeds," said Li Xufeng, general manager of the China Academy of Railway Sciences.

The train model prioritizes passenger comfort, offering a smooth and convenient ride. Through the application of integrated design, modular installation, and other methods, passenger space has been redesigned for added comfort and convenience, increasing cabin space by 4 percent.

"We have now employed some intelligent methods to relocate some of these power distribution facilities for undercarriage installation. Furthermore, we have implemented intelligent upgrades, streamlined numerous components, and increased the storage space for large luggage by 138 percent," added Nie Ying, a senior project engineer at CRRC Qingdao Sifang Co.,Ltd.

It also integrates advanced noise reduction techniques across different areas and frequencies, reducing interior noise by two decibels, compared to its predecessors.

These innovations are set to breathe new life into the global advancement of high-speed rail technology, according to the CRRC.

Prototypes of world's fastest high-speed train highlight China's advancements in rail technology

Prototypes of world's fastest high-speed train highlight China's advancements in rail technology

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced in Jerusalem on Sunday that Israel will soon advance the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire, while Hamas said it is ready to lay down its arms as part of its ceasefire with Israel. At a press conference after meeting visiting German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Netanyahu said that the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement has been largely completed. Israel will ensure the return of the last hostage's remains and is set to move forward to the second phase.

Netanyahu noted that later this month, he plans to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss the progress of the second phase. He reiterated Israel's stance that it will not agree to the establishment of a Palestinian state.

Merz said Germany supports Israel's right to exist and its security. He called for the implementation of the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement and stated that Hamas cannot have a role in Gaza's postwar governance. However, Merz also indicated Germany's open attitude towards the establishment of a Palestinian state while opposing any annexation of the West Bank by Israel.

Bassem Naim, a member of Hamas' decision-making political bureau, said on the same day that Hamas is very open minded to negotiations regarding its weapons, and Hamas is ready to discuss "freezing or storing" its arsenal of weapons as part of its ceasefire with Israel.

Naim said Hamas retains its "right to resist", but stressed that the group is ready to lay down its arms "with the Palestinian guarantees", and not to use them at all during the ceasefire time as part of a process aimed at leading to the establishment of a Palestinian state. He also suggested a long-term truce of five or 10 years for negotiations.

Naim also criticized Israel for not fulfilling its commitments, particularly concerning the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza and the promised reopening of the Rafah Crossing. He called on the United States, the UN Security Council, mediators, and other relevant parties to exert pressure on Israel to meet its obligations.

Israel to advance 2nd phase of Gaza ceasefire negotiations, Hamas open to peace talks