China's Commitment to Enhancing International Collaboration in Meteorological Early Warnings

A senior official from the China Meteorological Administration (CMA) has announced the country's intention to explore new opportunities for international collaboration in meteorological early warning systems. Chen Zhenlin, the head of CMA, reported that China had made significant progress in fostering international cooperation in meteorology, presenting its early warning system during the COP29 meeting in Baku, Azerbaijan, in November of last year.

Testing of these early warning solutions has already taken place in several countries, including Pakistan, Ethiopia, and the Solomon Islands. During the 2025 National Meteorological Work Conference in Beijing, Chen emphasized the achievements of 2024 and outlined primary objectives for the current year, including integrations of China's early warning services into the China-Africa Cooperation Forum's green development initiatives. Notable visits from leaders like the president of the Maldives and the prime minister of Sri Lanka showcased their intent to enhance cooperation with China.

Recognition of China's contributions to global early warning systems was bolstered by commendations from the World Meteorological Organization’s secretary-general, who described China's approach as prioritizing the welfare of its people and serving as a potential model for international practices. Chen highlighted the urgent need for improved meteorological services due to the increasingly complex global climate landscape, which has intensified the frequency of extreme weather events, adversely affecting economic and social development.

The year 2024 witnessed devastating weather-related disasters in countries like the United States and Spain, resulting in grave loss of life. Chen noted that Super Typhoon Yagi alone caused economic damages to China exceeding those of Typhoon Rammasun a decade prior. According to Swiss Re, a prominent reinsurance firm, the global economic toll from natural disasters reached over $310 billion last year, underscoring the pressing need for effective solutions.

To address these crises, China plans to develop more efficient and inclusive early warning platforms aimed at enhancing global monitoring and forecasting capabilities. This year, the focus will be on expanding meteorological collaborations with pivotal regions such as Africa and Southeast Asia, particularly through the development of cloud-based early warning systems supporting the Belt and Road Initiative's growth. Additionally, Chen mentioned the intention to strengthen partnerships with the United States, European countries, and international entities, advocating for the standardization of meteorological technologies across key sectors like artificial intelligence and early warning systems.