China in talks with 28 countries on high-speed rail - state trainmaker

"Widening the international sales network and manufacturing bases in overseas markets can help Chinese train-makers to improve their localization abilities, as well as gaining political and public support through local employment," Zhi said.

China has seen railway equipment exports surge as industry leaders explore overseas markets.

Last year, the country's train－makers exported railway equipment worth 26.77 billion yuan ($4.36 billion), a year-on-year increase of 22.6 percent, according to the General Administration of Customs.

Chinese project contractors were involved in 348 international railway infrastructure construction projects in countries including Kenya, Thailand and Saudi Arabia last year, an increase of 48 percent from the previous year. They signed contracts worth $24.7 billion with clients worldwide.

The overseas expansion was led mainly by State-owned companies CNR Corp and CSR Corp, with their exports accounting for about 70 percent of the total value.

"Based on the World Trade Organization's rules, China will also combine this fast-growing industry with its rich financial resources to expand its capability to use foreign capital, such as supporting companies to issue bonds to raise funds overseas," Zhi said.

Assisted by the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the State Council is reportedly drafting a plan to further support the railway equipment industry to diversify overseas sales and service channels.

Zhou Zhencheng, commercial counselor at the Department of Outward Investment and Economic Cooperation at the Ministry of Commerce, said that even though China is a latecomer to the field, its rail equipment companies have thrived thanks to cost advantages and reasonable delivery times.

Last year, a contract for a Chinese-led consortium to build a high-speed rail line in Mexico was scrapped only days after it was signed.

Zhi urged the Mexican government to ensure the legitimate rights and financial interests of Chinese companies when dealing with problems caused by the decision.