China will invest some 100 billion yuan (US$12 billion) on a Beijing-Shanghai high speed railway project, announced by a spokesman with the Ministry of Railways Friday.

The investment is equivalent to two-fifth of the total money spent on railway construction in the past five years, statistics indicate.

Proposal of the project was presented in the 10th Five-Year (2001-2005) plan, and debate on whether to adopt the magnetic levitation or wheeled railway system has been aroused since then.

Some experts suggested that China should take the most advanced maglev system, which is safe, comfortable, stable and fast.

However, others opposed that it is unwise for China, still a developing country, to use the immature and extravagant technology, according to the report of today's China Daily.

"We will choose one that fits China's situation best," said spokesman Ren Guixi.

China plans to expand its railways network in the next five years, and more priority will be given to the landlocked western regions to cater to the on-going western development drive.

The Ministry of Railways will spend more money on its railways projects, and upgrading the railway technology is also an emphasis in the whole process.

(Eastday.com 12/17/2000)