The 17th Modern Railways Exhibition opened Tuesday in Beijing, showcasing cutting-edge developments in China's railway technology.
Among the major attractions is the CR450 electric multiple unit (EMU), a prototype hailed as the world's fastest high-speed train. Capable of reaching test speeds of 450 kilometers per hour and operating at 400 km/h, the CR450 represents the next leap in China's already world-leading high-speed rail sector.
At the exhibition, the most popular activity proved to be the 350 km/h Fuxing EMU driving simulator. Long queues formed as visitors waited for a chance to virtually operate a high-speed train.
"Very fast. Now in Poland the fastest train is 250 (km/h), so less than in China, especially this new one, Chinese project 400. It sounds incredible. So China [is] the pioneer of the world's high speed (train), so that's why we are here," said a Polish visitor.
Next to the CR450 model on display, interactive screens showed real-time systems from each carriage, activated by moving a nearby control panel. A staff member explained that following its debut last year, the CR450 prototype has undergone months of rigorous testing at 450 km/h to ensure safe and reliable operation at 400 km/h in the near future.
"The CR450 is not just about higher speed. We've also improved onboard comfort and adopted a new bogie encapsulation design that reduces drag by over 20 percent and lowers aerodynamic noise, making the ride much quieter and more pleasant for passengers," said Wang Lei, senior chief designer at CRRC Changchun Railway Vehicles Co.
Beijing exhibition showcases China's cutting-edge advancements in railway technology
The U.S. military strike against Venezuela and capture of its president, Nicolas Maduro, has shocked the international community, triggering a steady stream of condemnation and serious concerns worldwide.
Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Uruguay and Spain issued a joint statement on Sunday, expressing serious concern about and firm opposition to the U.S. unilateral military operations in Venezuela.
The U.S. actions contravene fundamental principles of international law, particularly the prohibition on the use or threat of force, and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States, as enshrined in the UN Charter, constituting an extremely dangerous precedent against peace and regional security, according to the statement.
In expressing profound concern and firm rejection, the six countries stressed in the statement that the situation in Venezuela must be resolved exclusively by peaceful means, and through dialogue, negotiation and respect for the will of the Venezuelan people in all its expressions, without external interference and in accordance with international law.
Only an inclusive political process, led by Venezuelans, can lead to a democratic, sustainable solution that respects human dignity, according to the statement.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez condemned the U.S. raid in Venezuela as a violation of international law, adding that the Spanish government always advocates and defends international law and peaceful resolution of conflicts.
Addressing a meeting of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez demanded the unconditional and immediate release of Maduro and his wife.
Noting that Latin America and the Caribbean are a zone of peace, he expressed his firm opposition to the use of force, which is an unshakable principle.
Any aggression against Venezuela shall be regarded as an attack against all CELAC member states, and nations must collectively oppose it, he stressed.
The South African government denounced the U.S. attack on Venezuela as a violation of international law, according to a statement released on Sunday.
History has repeatedly demonstrated that military invasions against sovereign states yield only instability and deepening crisis, the statement said.
South Africa calls on the UN Security Council to urgently convene a session to address this situation, according to the statement.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said what happened in Venezuela demonstrates that international law and the UN Charter are losing their practical effectiveness.
U.S. military action against Venezuela marks a dangerous precedent, as similar actions could be taken against any other nations, he said.
In addition, the foreign ministries of Namibia, Singapore, Oman and Pakistan also issued statements on the same day, expressing grave concern over U.S. interference in Venezuela's internal affairs.
They emphasized the need to uphold international law and the principles of the UN Charter while respecting Venezuela's sovereignty.
They also called on all parties to exercise restraint and resolve the crisis through peaceful dialogue.
U.S. move against Venezuela sparks condemnation, concerns worldwide
