@tokyojapannow: Vietnam spent years considering Japan's famous Shinkansen technology. Now, China is gaining attention in one of the country's biggest infrastructure projects. Vietnam is moving forward with a 1,541-kilometre high-speed railway connecting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Approved in 2024, the $67 billion project, approximately ¥10 trillion, is the most expensive in Vietnam's history. Japanese bullet train technology had long been promoted as a potential solution. However, Hanoi has increasingly turned toward China for railway expertise and investment. Supporters point to China's experience building the world's largest high-speed rail network rapidly and at relatively low cost. Critics warn that relying heavily on Chinese financing and technology could create debt burdens, long-term dependence and security concerns. Vietnam maintains that it is cooperating with several international partners rather than relying exclusively on China. Construction is targeted to begin before 2030. Designed for speeds of 350 km/h, the railway is expected to reduce travel between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to approximately six hours. If you were Vietnam, would you choose Japanese Shinkansen technology or China's high-speed railway expertise?

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Sunday 08 November 2026 06:59:00 GMT