China’s relentless expansion of its railway network has reached new heights with the inauguration of a groundbreaking 277-kilometer (172-mile) high-speed train line along the southeastern coast. This transformative railway project seamlessly connects the vibrant cities of Xiamen, Zhangzhou, and Fuzhou, all nestled within the beautiful Fujian province. At the heart of this impressive achievement is the capability of trains to soar at a staggering maximum speed of 350 kilometers (217 miles) per hour, a testament to China’s commitment to cutting-edge rail technology.

The first journey of this high-speed rail began on September 28, 2023, in Fuzhou, the capital of the province. What sets this remarkable railway apart is its incredibly impressive engineering achievements, including 84 bridges, 29 tunnels, and a breathtaking 20 kilometers (12 miles) of track gracefully spanning the open sea. This groundbreaking construction marks China’s debut in the world of over-water bullet trains. The development of these overwater rail segments employed the assistance of advanced robotics and the adoption of eco-friendly, corrosion-resistant steel, underlining China’s commitment to sustainability and cutting-edge technology.

This monumental railway project is just one part of China’s ambitious “Eight Horizontal and Eight Vertical” rail initiative, unveiled in 2016. The challenging terrain of Fujian province historically posed transportation difficulties, making this ambitious endeavor a testament to Chinese engineering prowess.

Fujian province holds both geographical and political significance, being the closest point on mainland China to Taiwan, a self-governing island. Xiamen, a key city connected by this new high-speed rail, is only 10 kilometers (two and a half miles) away from Kinmen, the westernmost region of Taiwan, separated by the Taiwan Strait.

The situation with Taiwan is complex and contentious in international politics. China’s Communist Party claims sovereignty over the island, even though they have never governed it. Recent political developments show that China wants to strengthen connections between Fujian and Taiwan, as stated in a recent circular from the Communist Party.

Interestingly, some unique ideas have come up about the Taiwan Strait, showing the region’s complexity. One proposal by eight local councilors in Kinmen suggests building a bridge that connects Taiwan and China, serving as a symbol of peace and reconciliation between the two historically complicated regions.