12/31/2024 Today marks the final day of 2024. Each year, I encourage my children, my students, and myself to reflect on the past while envisioning the future—a tradition instilled in me by my father. He believed that looking back gives clarity to the paths we've traveled, while looking forward inspires purpose for the journey ahead.
As I sit down to write, I can’t help but review the monumental events that defined this year. Though I personally may not have reached any milestones, the world has experienced a whirlwind of change.
In the United States, a historic political comeback saw Donald Trump return to power, reshaping the American political landscape. Meanwhile, the Gaza Strip remains engulfed in suffering and massive life losses, as relentless Israel bombings continue to devastate the land. The war in Ukraine entered its bloody third year with no end in sight, a grim reminder of the valuable peace that we so enjoy.
On a brighter note, China witnessed extraordinary advancements, particularly in the electric vehicle (EV) sector. EV adoption surged, positioning the nation far ahead of Western markets and signaling its leadership in electrification and clean energy innovation.
Among these events, one stands out as a fitting conclusion to 2024: the announcement of China’s CR450 high-speed train prototype on December 29. This engineering marvel not only breaks records but also points to a future of efficiency, innovation, and progress.
CR450: A Leap in Rail Technology
The CR450 high-speed train brings groundbreaking advancements in rail technology, setting a new global benchmark for speed, energy efficiency, and passenger comfort.
1. Unprecedented Speed Operating at a design speed of 400 km/h (249 mph) and testing at 450 km/h (280 mph), the CR450 is the world’s fastest operational train. To put this into perspective, the 2,900-mile journey from San Francisco to New York could be completed in just 12 hours at this speed.
2. Aerodynamic Excellence Its streamlined design reduces aerodynamic drag by 22%, ensuring stability and efficiency even at ultra-high speeds. Noise-reduction measures enhance the travel experience, offering passengers a quieter and more pleasant ride.
3. Energy Innovations With a lighter structure—10% less than its predecessors—the train consumes less energy while maintaining exceptional performance. Advanced propulsion and braking systems further improve energy efficiency and reduce its environmental footprint.
4. Enhanced Passenger Experience Equipped with cutting-edge suspension systems and smart interior features, the CR450 offers a smooth and luxurious journey. Modern amenities like ergonomic seating, climate control, and smart lighting create an optimal travel environment.
5. Safety and Reliability Advanced braking systems improve deceleration performance by 20%, while seismic resistance ensures safety in earthquake-prone regions. Intelligent monitoring systems and semi-autonomous driving technology make the train a pinnacle of smart transportation.
6. A Symbol of Global Leadership The CR450 represents China’s dominance in high-speed rail technology and innovation, with implications for international collaboration and rail infrastructure exports. Its success solidifies China's position as a leader in sustainable transportation.
A Fast Train for a Fast-Moving World
As we bid farewell to 2024, the CR450 high-speed train serves as a powerful symbol of the year’s advancements. It heralds an era of rapid development, where technology continues to redefine the possibilities of connectivity and efficiency.
May this innovation inspire all of us to move forward with the same speed and determination in the coming year, embracing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Here’s to a fast-moving 2025, where progress knows no bounds.
Finally, I want to end the year with the phrase "既往开来" (jì wǎng kāi lái), meaning "to learn from the past and look forward to the future." This mindset, balancing reflection with forward momentum, is what I want to share today—moving forward with energy and embracing the future with unwavering momentum.