New train coming by end of this year

China will manufacture and begin trial runs of a new "Chinese-standard" bullet train this year, according to the State-owned railway operator.

"We will accelerate the development" of the train, which is expected to have a maximum speed of 350 km/h, "and make sure the prototype will be made and put to trial operations this year, "Sheng Guangzu, general manager of China Railway Corp, said on Thursday in Beijing.

"At the same time, the development of the 250-km/h type will also be put on a fast track," Sheng said at the company's annual work conference, pledging to prioritize the promotion of Chinese technological standards for high-speed railways in the international market.