Chinese scientists have achieved a historic breakthrough in transport technology as a superconducting maglev train was accelerated to an astonishing 700 kilometers per hour in just two seconds, setting a new global speed record and showcasing China’s rapid advances in high-speed innovation.
According to international media reports, the experiment was conducted on December 25 by researchers at China’s National University of Defense Technology. The nearly one-ton maglev train was tested on a specially designed 400-meter track, where it reached the record speed within moments before being brought safely to a halt. Scientists confirmed it is the fastest superconducting electric maglev system ever developed, the result of nearly a decade of research and engineering.
Maglev trains operate without touching the track, using powerful magnetic forces to levitate and propel the vehicle forward. This eliminates friction, allowing extreme speeds that are impossible for conventional rail systems. A video shared online showed the train moving so fast it appeared as a blur, leaving a light mist behind as it raced along the track.
Earlier this year, the same prototype reached 648 km/h, but the latest test has now pushed the boundary beyond 700 km/h. Researchers believe the technology could have future applications beyond rail transport, including rocket-launch systems. If adapted for passenger travel, scientists say it could cut travel time between major cities to just minutes, potentially reshaping global transportation.