Behold Musk: China just successfully tested a Hyperloop-like train system

China's progress in Hyperloop-like trains

China has made world history by reportedly completing the first "full-scale and full-process integrated test" of such a system when its maglev train recently ran at speeds of up to 80 miles (130 km) an hour. The test was carried out on a 1.25-mile (2 km) Datong Test line constructed in Shanxi province in north China.

According to the China Daily's report, the North University of China and the Third Research Institute of China Aerospace Science and Industry Corp., have jointly set up a laboratory for high-speed maglev vehicles operating in low-vacuum environments. Under this arrangement, the groundbreaking ceremony for the Datong test line was carried out in May last year.

Following the success of the preliminary test, the laboratory will now begin the construction of a full-scale 37-mile (60 km) test track to be completed in three phases. The full-scale track will allow the testing of trains at speeds up to 621 miles (1,000 km) an hour.

Musk's vision, China's execution

Although, Musk wasn't the first person to speak of transit systems inside sealed tubes, the Hyperloop version of the system is largely his brainchild. Musk's tunneling venture, The Boring Company, and his space company, SpaceX even built a test track to host a Hyperloop Pod Competition between 2015 and 2019.

Even though he could have done it himself, Musk stayed away from Hyperloop as a commercial venture, instead building Loop, where his electric cars could ferry people.

Virgin Hyperloop, a venture that actually took up the challenge of doing so, along with a handful of others, announced earlier this year that it would focus only on the cargo applications of the technology.

So, it does appear that even though Musk might claim the bragging rights to the concept, it is China that is making progress in actually making it a reality.

Elon Musk fans might point to his comment from February where he said that the Hyperloop was The Boring Company's plans "in the coming years." However, they know very well that Musk's solid deadlines can't really be trusted. So, vague projections don't even make it to the discussion table.