China’s Maglev Train Breaks Speed Record, Reaches 700 km/h in Seconds

China has shattered another global record in rail innovation after a superconducting magnetic levitation (maglev) train reached a speed of 700 kilometres per hour in just two seconds during a controlled test, according to Chinese media reports.

The test was conducted at a facility operated by the National University of Defence Technology, where researchers accelerated a one-tonne maglev vehicle along a 400-metre test track. The short but intense run has set a new world record for superconducting electric maglev systems.

What has drawn particular attention is the pace of progress. The same research team had achieved a top speed of 648 km/h on the same track in January, meaning the system gained more than 50 km/h within a few months—suggesting the technology is still far from its upper limit.

According to Chinese reports, Professor Li Jie, who led the development of Beijing’s first commercial maglev subway line, said the achievement could significantly accelerate China’s push toward ultra-high-speed maglev transport. He noted that reaching such speeds in real-world testing conditions brings practical deployment closer than previously anticipated.

China has been heavily investing in next-generation rail systems. In 2020, CRRC Qingdao Sifang successfully tested a 600 km/h maglev prototype, underscoring the country’s ambition to dominate future high-speed transportation.

Experts say the latest breakthrough strengthens China’s position at the forefront of rail technology and could reshape long-distance travel by dramatically cutting journey times once commercial deployment becomes feasible.