中国高铁发展令美国汗颜

Beijing's newest train station looks like a modern airport. And a ride on its bullet train is nearly as fast as taking a plane. China's high speed trains have come a long way from the steam engines that once chugged （轧轧地前进）into the capital before economic reforms in the 1980s ___________________ long-distance transportation.

"This is how the majority of people travel across China. All trains like this, go as slow as 55 km/h when it's crowded; it's standing room only."

And the journey can take days. But that's no longer the only option. China is now home to the world's fastest train, ——Wuhan to Guangzhou at up to 400 km/h.

"This train is so fast. It's threatening airline tickets sales. Chinese southern airline is struggling to compete on this particular route as high speed railways change the way Chinese people travel across this vast country."

China is __________ (编织；纺织；吐丝)a web of high speed railways with faster connections than ever before. The government plans to extend 3,000 current km of high speed track to 12,000 by 2012, ____________________ cost $360 billion, or 60% of the stimulus package China ____________ to combat the financial crisis.

"But if you are investing in high speed railway system, you are sending checks to two million workers, directly involved in the rail

industry. So that's a very easy call to make politically."

China's rail-system is now arguably the most advanced in the world. US company General Electric is collaborating with Beijing on technology to modernize America's own _________ rail network. While ________________ to China's investment, President Obama has committed $ 8 billion to high speed rail.

"Our nation has always been built to compete. There is no reason Europe or China should have the fastest trains."

Just like interstate highways （州际公路）(transformed the United States，faster trains in China will bring infrastructure investment and passengers to destinations deep in the countryside.

"Everybody wants to take the high speed trains," this traveler says," It's less exhausting and more comfortable."

Critics ___________ China is overbuilding and that tickets on fast trains are too expensive for average citizens. But with living standard rising, more and more will be able and willing to pay, to satisfy the need for speed.

Emily Chang, CNN.