Core Insights - The article discusses the differences in highway toll pricing and infrastructure management among China, Japan, and South Korea, highlighting China's competitive advantage in terms of cost and efficiency. Pricing Comparison - Japan's highway toll is approximately 1.1 yuan per kilometer, making it the most expensive among the three countries, with a legislative toll period extending to 2115, effectively creating a "permanent toll" situation [4] - South Korea charges about 0.42 yuan per kilometer, less than one-third of Japan's rate, with a clear toll period of 20 to 30 years, after which highways become free [7] - China's highway toll is around 0.4 yuan per kilometer, slightly cheaper than South Korea, with a total length exceeding 160,000 kilometers, making it the longest in the world [10] Infrastructure Management - Japan's high costs are attributed to geographical challenges, such as mountains and earthquakes, leading to expensive construction and maintenance [3] - South Korea benefits from a unified management system under a single road corporation, allowing for efficient planning and cost distribution [7] - China's highway construction has been standardized since 2004, leading to significant cost savings through bulk material purchases and efficient project execution, such as the rapid completion of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge [11][10] Technological Innovations - South Korea is implementing innovative solutions like solar-powered highway barriers and electric vehicle charging stations, which may reduce reliance on toll fees in the future [9] - China is advancing towards smart highways, including features for autonomous driving, enhancing convenience for users [12]