STRONGER COLLABORATION

This year marked the second time China has hosted the congress since its launch by the UIC in 1992. Now held every two to three years, the event remains the premier gathering for the high-speed rail sector.

The congress also spotlighted innovation and co-development. In his opening remarks, Chinese Vice-Premier Zhang Guoqing said China will contribute more wisdom, technology and solutions to the development of high-speed rail around the world.

Zhang added that China is willing to share its experience in high-speed railway construction and operations, and to work with other countries to promote the application of cutting-edge technologies in the sector.

At the accompanying exhibition, Japanese firm Hitachi NICO Transmission Co Ltd -- a longtime partner in China -- highlighted new opportunities. "In the past 40-plus years, it was through our development in China that we were able to seize unprecedented opportunities," said company president Matsui Shiro.

"The Belt and Road Initiative has opened new doors for China-Japan joint ventures in third-party markets," Matsui said. "We see great prospects for effective partnerships in many areas."

Over time, China's high-speed rail is increasingly seen as a scalable model -- built not only on steel and speed, but also on long-term strategy and international partnership.