UK is sounding out Chinese rail firms to build the second high speed railway in Britain.

Mark Thurston, chief executive of the government-owned firm responsible for High Speed 2 (HS2), flew to Beijing last month for talks with five Chinese state-owned rail firms, the Telegraph reported.

Foss bridge, Scotland, UK. Opened in 1890, the bridge is still used for passenger and freight trains. (Photo: Xinhua)

The British government was putting the country’s relationship with key allies under further strain by encouraging China’s involvement in the construction of the £56 billion rail line, according to Telegraph.

China's National Development and Reform Commission announced that discussions involved a "wholesale package to build the UK's second high-speed railway line ".

A spokesman for HS2 said, "It's important for us to learn from existing high-speed rail networks in other countries. Countries such as China and Japan have extensive experience in building thousands of kilometers of high-speed rail, and are reaping the economic benefits of their investment."

China's high speed train "Fuxing". (Photo: Xinhua)

"Our rigorous procurement process is open to all bidders with the relevant experience and required credentials, and ensures value for money for the taxpayer," the spokesman added.