California and China - Rail

Again, I can write no better than this NY Times article:

China Again Hopes to Drive U.S. Rail Construction - http://nyti.ms/cybQGY

But wish to note:

-China is offering to help build and help finance California's High Speed Rail
-Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger of California has closely followed progress in the discussions with China and expects to visit China later this year
-China is opening 1200 miles of high speed rail (this year!)
-China to spend $300 B next 3 years on rail; US to spend $5 B (next 5 years)
-Beijing to Shanghai will take about 4 hours (2011-2012); the same distance in the US (NY to Chicago) takes 18 hours.
-GE is a partner with China Ministry of Railroads.