In January 2017, which country launched the world’s longest high speed bullet train line covering a distance of about 2252 kilometres?

Introduction / Context:
High speed rail, often referred to as bullet train service, has become a symbol of advanced transport infrastructure. Countries that invest heavily in these networks often feature in current affairs questions, especially when they set new records. In January 2017, one country opened what was described as the longest bullet train line in the world, stretching more than two thousand kilometres. Knowledge of which country achieved this milestone is a common topic in general awareness sections of exams.

Given Data / Assumptions:

The distance covered by the bullet train line is about 2252 kilometres.
The line was launched in January 2017.
Options are Japan, China, Afghanistan and Myanmar.
We assume standard definitions of high speed rail and that the question references widely reported international news from that period.

Concept / Approach:
China has built the world's largest high speed rail network, including several very long routes connecting major regions. The 2252 kilometre line connecting eastern and southwestern parts of the country was frequently described as the longest bullet train route at the time it opened. Japan pioneered bullet trains earlier but its individual lines are generally shorter than this massive Chinese route. Afghanistan and Myanmar do not have comparable high speed rail systems. Therefore, by combining knowledge of global high speed rail development with the specific distance mentioned, we can identify China as the correct answer.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that China has rapidly expanded its high speed rail network over the last two decades and regularly features in news about record setting train lines. Step 2: Recognise that Japan, while the original creator of bullet trains, has shorter lines such as the Tokaido Shinkansen and does not operate a single 2252 kilometre stretch described in this way. Step 3: Consider that Afghanistan and Myanmar lack the infrastructure and investment level needed for such an extensive high speed line, making them unlikely candidates. Step 4: Match the distance of roughly 2252 kilometres and the date January 2017 with reports of a new Chinese high speed line connecting eastern coastal regions with inland provinces. Step 5: Conclude that China is the country that launched this record length bullet train line.

Verification / Alternative check:
Transport and economic news services covering railway developments highlighted that China inaugurated a high speed line of about 2252 kilometres, often calling it the world's longest high speed railway line at that time. The line improved connectivity between regions and was part of a broader strategy to stimulate growth and regional integration. Japan, Afghanistan and Myanmar were not mentioned in relation to this specific record. This consistent reporting confirms that China is the correct answer to the question.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Japan indeed runs advanced Shinkansen trains and is associated with the term bullet train, but the distances of its individual lines are shorter and are not described as 2252 kilometre records in 2017. Afghanistan and Myanmar have far less developed rail networks and certainly did not launch the world's longest high speed train line in that year. Choosing any of these options would contradict the widely documented facts about global high speed rail development.

Common Pitfalls:
Some candidates may reflexively choose Japan whenever they see the phrase bullet train, because Japan was historically the first to build such trains. Others may not pay attention to the date or the distance and simply rely on older associations. To avoid these errors, aspirants should link China with recent record breaking high speed lines and remember that Japan pioneered the technology but does not currently dominate in total network length or individual route distance in the same way China does.

Final Answer:
The country that launched the 2252 kilometre long record breaking bullet train line in January 2017 is China.