Why China Builds Faster Than the Rest of the World

The article discusses China's ability to build infrastructure faster compared to the rest of the world. According to the author Dan Wang's new book "Breakneck," if the US wants to compete with China, it needs to shift its focus from legal disputes to engineering. The article highlights that China's rapid infrastructure development is driven by factors such as its centralized decision-making process, streamlined approval procedures, and a workforce geared towards execution. In contrast, the US is bogged down by bureaucratic hurdles, legal challenges, and a greater emphasis on environmental and social impact assessments. The article suggests that the US could learn from China's approach to infrastructure development, which prioritizes speed and efficiency over lengthy planning and approval processes. However, it also acknowledges the trade-offs between China's approach and the US's emphasis on democratic principles and environmental safeguards. The article provides a balanced perspective on the debate around China's infrastructure advantage, highlighting the complexities and nuances involved in the comparison between the two countries.