"Whether I'm minister of railways or not does not matter. What matters is the railway sector will have better chance of development. I'm subordinate to the needs of the national cause."

Sheng Guangzu, minister of railways, said he has "no regrets" about being the last person to hold that post. China plans to dismantle the ministry into administrative and commercial arms, according to a report delivered by State Councilor Ma Kai to the annual session of China's top legislature on Sunday.