Are you confused about threads? You're the first one saying China is more advanced here https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43981378 as an answer to "it doesn't make sense to compare train systems in those two countries". What is even the point you're trying to make here?

I think you may be operating under a misapprehension. The word "progressive" is the one people have taken issue with.

China is many things but progressive is not my adjective of choice (I've spent many years living there).