BEIJING - China's high-speed railways will run at a slower speed than previously expected, according to the newly appointed railways minister.

In an interview with People's Daily published on Wednesday, Sheng Guangzu, who took on the role on Feb 25 replacing former railways minister Liu Zhijun, said high-speed trains will run at 300 kilometers per hour starting from July 1, instead of the previously announced 350 km/h.

The change to the country's high-speed rail network was made after Liu stepped down when he became the subject of an investigation for an alleged "severe violation of discipline" on Feb 12.