The CR450 high-speed train prototype, unveiled in Beijing on Sunday, is capable of reaching a test speed of 450 km/h and an operational speed of 400 km/h. This achievement makes it the fastest high-speed train in the world once it enters commercial service, surpassing China's current CR400, which operates at 350 km/h.

According to China State Railway Group, which led the development, the CR450 excels in key areas such as operational speed, energy efficiency, noise control, and braking performance, setting new global benchmarks. Despite its higher speed, the CR450 maintains braking distances similar to those of trains running at 350 km/h—thanks to significant engineering advancements. These design enhancements ensure the train's stability, performance, and safety at higher speeds.

The CR450 prioritizes passenger comfort, offering a smooth and quiet ride even at 400 km/h. Advanced noise-reduction technologies ensure that interior noise levels are comparable to those of 350 km/h trains, providing a peaceful travel experience.

A standout feature of the CR450 is its exceptional energy efficiency. The train has reduced running resistance by 22 percent and cut its weight by 10 percent, improving fuel efficiency. Despite the increased speed, these optimizations minimize energy consumption, ensuring sustainability at higher operational speeds.

The train's interior has been redesigned for added comfort and convenience, increasing cabin space by 4 percent. Adjustable luggage racks and a versatile storage area accommodate passenger needs, including bicycles, wheelchairs, and other items. These innovations anticipate potential regulatory changes in passenger transport.

The CR450 prototype was developed by CRRC Changchun Railway Vehicles and CRRC Sifang Co., Ltd., each contributing slightly different interior designs but with a shared focus on passenger comfort and high-quality travel experiences.

The development of the CR450 is the culmination of years of research and technological innovation, which began in 2018 with the goal of operating trains at 400 km/h. Extensive testing has been conducted across major high-speed rail lines, including Zhengzhou-Wanzhou, Jinan-Zhengzhou, Mile-Mengzi, and Fuzhou-Xiamen. Over 200 days of high-speed testing and 17 component trials have been completed, with a cumulative test distance exceeding 200,000 kilometers. The prototype has undergone more than 3,000 simulations and over 2,000 platform tests to meet the rigorous demands of 400 km/h operations.

China State Railway Group has announced that further line tests and refinements will ensure the train meets all necessary standards for commercial operation. The goal is to make this cutting-edge technology available to passengers soon.

Li Yongheng, an official from China State Railway Group, stated that since 2012, China's railway sector has independently developed a series of scientific and technological innovation products, exemplified by the Fuxing high-speed electrical multiple unit (EMU). This development has established a comprehensive high-speed rail (HSR) technology system encompassing engineering construction, equipment manufacturing, and operations management.

"China's high-speed railway system has taken a historic leap, shifting from a follower to a global leader. Its HSR technology has set an international benchmark," Li said.

"To further consolidate and boost China's leading edge in HSR technology, and better serve and support Chinese modernization, our company, along with relevant ministries, organizations, research institutes, universities, and enterprises, has formed an innovative team to tackle key technological challenges," he added.

Zhao Hongwei, chief researcher at the China Academy of Railway Sciences, highlighted the technological breakthroughs of the CR450 EMU, including advancements in high-speed safety, resistance reduction, energy efficiency, vibration and noise reduction, and intelligent fusion control technologies. These innovations have established a comprehensive technical framework for the 400 km/h high-speed train, setting a new standard in global rail transport.

Wang Wenjing, a professor at the School of Mechanical, Electrical and Control Engineering at Beijing Jiaotong University, discussed the challenge of achieving a lightweight design that balances speed and energy efficiency. The BJTU team focused on optimizing load-bearing components, especially the bogie and car body, through simulations and bench tests. Advanced materials like carbon fiber were incorporated to reduce weight while maintaining strength, ensuring safety and durability at high speeds.

Sui Fusheng, a researcher at the Institute of Acoustics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, emphasized the complexity of balancing weight reduction with noise control. The team developed integrated composite materials that provide both thermal insulation and soundproofing. These innovations reduce material costs and complexity while improving passenger comfort by controlling temperature and noise levels. Despite the challenges, the team's solutions have set the stage for quieter, more efficient high-speed rail travel.

The CR450 EMU exemplifies China's innovation-driven development strategy and demonstrates the country's scientific and technological capabilities. It reflects the advantages of China's socialist system, fostering self-reliance in railway science and technology and contributing to the modernization of the railway industrial system.

Over the past 15 years, China has built the world's largest and most advanced high-speed rail network, spanning over 160,000 kilometers, including more than 46,000 kilometers of high-speed rail lines.

• About 20km southeast from Henan Zhengzhou city and houses two of the world’s largest factories: Foxconn in the North and BYD in the South
• Foxconn Zhengzhou: commences production in March 2011, Foxconn’s largest factory and the world’s largest iPhone production site
• BYD: commences production in April 2023 - initially set to produce 1 million EVs by 2025, in September 2024, this production goal has now been revised to 1.5 million!
• Zhengzhou’s strategic goal for the future is to become the global hub for new (renewable) energy industries - the proliferation of new energy industries in Zhengzhou driven by the opening of BYD’s latest factory in 2021 can no longer be contained.
• If the last decade of Zhengzhou’s economy was sustained by Foxconn, then it can be said that the next decade will be defined by BYD and the new energy market
• In spite of the fact that the overall export volume of Henan province in first half of 2024 has dropped 19.1% compared to the previous year, with cell phone exports plunged by 49.1%, the vehicle exports has grown by an astounding 22.1%.

• An ongoing trend of workers migrating from the old Foxconn to the new BYD factory
• Recruitment center interviews nearly 1000 potential hires per day
• Foxconn mostly hires short term workers (temp and hourly workers) and potential earning for an average employee is determined by the seasonal demands. Pay for temp workers is determined by hourly wage (max 27 yuan/hour + 9000 yuan one-time “return/rebate pay” (返费) upon completion of short term contract). Foxconn Zhengzhou currently employs 100k people not including the newly recruited (this cycle, August 2024, aims to hire another 50k temp workers)
• BYD mostly hires full time employees and is thus seen as a more stable employment. Currently employs 36k people (July 2024) but will achieve full capacity at 50k.
• Foxconn temp worker starting salary: 2100 yuan; full-time employee: 2300 yuan. Overtime pay = 1.5x, weekend pay = 2x, holiday pay = 3x.
• BYD starting salary: 2100 yuan, and similar overtime pay structure to Foxconn. Monthly salary ~5000-7500 yuan.
• “But BYD has more overtime opportunity than Foxconn” according to an interviewee.
• Foxconn hostel rent: 150 yuan / month, room shared between 6 people. Meal: self-pay.
• BYD provides free hostel, room shared between 4 people, plus meal vouchers.
• BYD has more male employees (17 male hostel buildings, 5 female hostel buildings), possibly due to the harder physical work demand in the BYD factory.

Recruitment center:

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• Foxconn adopts the short term employment model of hiring workers through temp agencies - every year before new Apple products drop on September, Foxconn will hire a fresh wave of temp workers who came to work only for a few months.
• Some people have a few months of empty schedule, and would rather not pay several hundred yuan for social security and insurance (as would be for full time employment), and use that extra cash for meal expenses instead.
• However, temp agencies recently report that BYD is also starting to hire short term labor (3-month contract, 26-28 yuan/hour).
• At Foxconn, you get similar hourly wage with full time employee but with a one-time payout (rebate/return fee, or 返费) at the end of your contract. The catch here is that you have to finish your contract to get the payout.
• BYD does not have the one-time payout and allows you to terminate at any time with one-week notice and get the prorated pay. So this is seen as a somewhat more attractive option.

• Foxconn’s upper limit for new short term worker’s hiring age has gone up from 45 years old to 48 years old.
• BYD short term hiring is still limited to a maximum of 45 years old, but in other cities like Changsha, the limit has been raised to 52 years old, and in Chengdu - 53.9 years old (“as long as you have not crossed your 54th year”).
• The competition has also provided improved working conditions. Foxconn has revamped its hostel to house 6 people per room instead of 8 people previously. Also included new furnitures like desks, closets, shoe racks etc, and improved air conditioning and hot water. Close family members can now apply to work at the same shift.

• In 2023, Foxconn acquired Jabil’s electronics plants in Chengdu and Wuxi (Jabil Inc. is a US company that is the 4th largest electronics manufacturing service in the world) - both plants had been previously OEM factories for iPhone. It is clear that BYD wants to take a slice of Foxconn’s cake.
• Foxconn is also constructing a new plant merely 2-3km from the BYD Zhengzhou factory - a New Energy Vehicle production facility. Foxconn is also planning to invade into BYD’s renewable energy territory.

• A dilemma for many workers in Zhengzhou is to choose between two types of labor work offered: Foxconn (“prolonged boredom, and not allowed to bring cell phone to work”) or BYD (“physically laborious and have to stand for long hours”)

Fu Juan

• Felt “too tired” at BYD and decided to leave at the end of July. “Standing every day for an entire day, my feet hurt, my legs hurt.”
• Saw that Foxconn hourly pay is 26 yuan / hour and did some calculations - if work 8 hours per day plus 2 hours of overtime, can earn 260 yuan / 10 hours
• Starting to regret after the move - she was assigned to Foxconn Zone F. Just a couple weeks later, she discovered that most assembly lines at Zone F do not have overtime slots even during peak season. They’re only allowed to work standard 8 hours.
• To fight for more overtime opportunity, she banded together with other employees to pressure the administrators, making it clear that if they are not allowed to work overtime, they will all collectively leave the jobs. In response, they got to work an additional day on Saturday.
• Still, after further calculation, she could only get ~4000 per month. At BYD Zhengzhou, when work maximally overtime and with production bonus, she had received 6500 at times.
• Eventually, Fu Juan went back to BYD, after considerations that she still has kids to raise and her husband has recently been laid off.
• “We lack money. If it weren’t for lacking money, I would still choose Foxconn.”

Hu Jun

• Former programmer at Hangzhou, travelled around the country after resigning from his job and decided to work a short term job in Zhengzhou to earn back some of the travel expenses. Also wanted to experience a factory job.
• Was assigned to night shift at BYD, to put on the screws on the vehicle. Work from 8pm to 8am every day, with 1 hour of meal time, and had to stand for the rest of the 11 hours.
• Felt that he had never worked such a physically laborious job before. “So tired that whatever I thought of two minutes ago, I had forgotten when two minutes have gone by.”
• By end of August, Hu Jun decided to quit. He’s going to interview at Foxconn.

Li Dan

• Has worked at BYD vehicle assembly line for nearly three months.
• For the past three months, her life has mostly revolved around the workshop, canteen and hostel.
• “When I wake up every day, the first thing that flashes across my mind is my boss’s pressure to hasten production.”
• Though highly laborious, her income has been quite decent. In October, having only taken 3 rest days, and inclusive of the National Day’s overtime pay, she accumulated nearly 10k salary that month.
• Noted high turnover in the BYD factory. Every day, there are long lines of people waiting to interview at the recruitment center, and every night there are people packing up their luggages to leave.
• She often consoles herself, that this is at least a stable job and won’t have to worry about unemployment, but occasionally she would ask: if I leave, can I still get a higher paying job elsewhere?

This gesture from Brazil complements the announcement made by the new Mexican president, Claudia Sheinbaum, who has also expressed her intention to attend the ceremony in Caracas. Jan 2nd, 2025.

However, it has not yet been determined whether an official mission will be sent from Mexico or whether the ambassador to Venezuela will act as a representative.

The government of Brazil, under the leadership of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, has decided to participate in the inauguration ceremony of the re-elected president of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, scheduled for January 10, 2025.

The confirmation was made by sources from the Itamaraty Palace, who announced that the Brazilian diplomat in Caracas, Gilvania de Oliveira, will represent the country at this important event.

This gesture from Brazil complements the announcement made by the new Mexican president, Claudia Sheinbaum, who has also expressed her intention to attend the ceremony in Caracas.

However, it has not yet been determined whether an official mission will be sent from Mexico or whether the ambassador to Venezuela will act as a representative.

The Brazilian government’s decision comes in a context where social movements in the country have expressed their support for Maduro.

In a letter to Lula, these groups formally requested recognition of the electoral victory of the Venezuelan president, who obtained 51.20% of the vote in the elections held on July 28, 2024.

The presence of Brazil and Mexico at the inauguration symbolizes a rapprochement and support for the Maduro administration at a crucial moment for Venezuelan politics, highlighting the importance of diplomatic relations in the region.

This event could also be seen as a step towards consolidating cooperation between the progressive governments of Latin America.

As a result of the Ukrainian decision, Slovakia will lose €500 million in revenue from transit gas fees through its territory. On Thursday, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico described Ukraine’s decision to block the transit of Russian natural gas through its territory as “sabotage.” As a result of this measure, which took effect on January 1, Slovakia will lose €500 million in revenue from transit gas fees through its territory.

“Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has started harming Slovakia’s state finances and the entire European Union,” Fico said, noting that the disruption of Russian gas supplies will cost the EU up to an additional €70 billion, according to a study conducted by Slovak Gas Industry (SPP).

“Only the United States will benefit from this decision, with increased gas imports to Europe,” Fico asserted. On Tuesday, delegations from Slovakia and Ukraine are set to meet in Brussels to address this gas dispute, and if an agreement is not reached, Bratislava will take action. “We are ready to propose cutting off electricity supplies,” Fico reiterated, although such a move would require declaring force majeure.

The reason for this is that energy suppliers are private companies, and the decision to supply or not supply electricity to the neighboring country does not fall under state jurisdiction. Fico is also prepared to “substantially reduce support for Ukrainian citizens in Slovak territory.” Currently, about 127,000 Ukrainian refugees with special visas reside in Slovakia. He has been a consistent critic of Western support policies for Ukraine and halted military aid to Kyiv upon assuming office in the fall of 2023. His late December visit to Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow sparked outrage in Kyiv.

FM Yvan Gil responded firmly to the false claims of the right-wing Argentine government. On Thursday, Bolivarian authorities released images confirming the good health of Argentine police officer Nahuel Gallo. This was Venezuela’s response to unfounded accusations from Argentina alleging that the officer was a victim of forced disappearance.

Previously, the administration of President Javier Milei filed a complaint with the International Criminal Court (ICC) regarding Gallo’s detention. Aimed at tarnishing the Bolivarian nation’s reputation, this maneuver was met with a forceful response from Venezuela’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Yvan Gil.

“Milei’s Argentine government continues to put on a shameful spectacle, moving from one absurdity to another on the international stage. Invoking the Rome Statute, which they clearly do not understand, to fuel their unhealthy political obsession is not only ignorant but also scandalously unserious,” he said.

“Officials from Milei’s puppet government, involved in an extreme right-wing coup and terrorist agenda against Venezuela, are using erratic diplomatic actions to justify their own failures and complicity. Justice and human rights are not tools for desperate agendas. Their fiasco only reinforces their status as the laughingstock of global diplomacy,” Gil emphasized.

On December 8, Venezuelan authorities identified activities involving Argentine officer Gallo, who was detained in the state of Tachira on the Colombia-Venezuela border. Under the pretense of visiting family members, he attempted to enter Venezuelan territory to engage in illicit activities.

Gallo is an intelligence agent who was planning an “extraction operation” involving six members of the far-right organization Vente Venezuela, currently sheltered inside the Argentine embassy in Caracas.

Venezuela’s Attorney General Tarek William Saab also dismissed Argentine claims that Gallo was being held in deplorable conditions at a military base. Specifically, Saab confirmed that the officer is under judicial custody and fully enjoys his fundamental rights in accordance with Venezuela’s constitution.