China deepening global collaboration in meteorological governance

China is deepening its collaboration with the international community in meteorological governance, using artificial intelligence and early warning technologies to help developing countries improve disaster preparedness and climate resilience, officials said at a news conference on Saturday.

Chen Zhenlin, head of the China Meteorological Administration, said the country's self-developed early warning system has offered technical support and training to countries vulnerable to climate-related disasters.

The system has already been adopted in countries including Pakistan, Ethiopia, the Solomon Islands, Mongolia, and Djibouti. "It can provide comprehensive early warning solutions and bridge the technology divide faced by developing nations," Chen said.

In July, the administration launched the MAZU, an AI-powered integrated meteorological system to provide early warnings for all. The system combines traditional Chinese culture with modern science and aligns closely with the United Nations' Early Warnings for All initiative.

Chen said it symbolizes China's shift "from an active participant in global meteorological governance to a key contributor and provider of global public goods". 

In the next three years, China will help developing countries enhance their meteorological capabilities by offering 2,000 training opportunities, 100 scholarships, and 50 visiting scholar positions, he added.

Jin Ronghua, director of the National Meteorological Center, said the development of meteorological science has also accelerated, with China joining hands with universities and research institutions to push the frontiers of weather prediction.

"We have achieved major progress in numerical weather prediction, the 'chip' of modern forecasting...Our independent global and regional systems have approached international top levels," Jin said.

She added that China is working with Tsinghua University, Fudan University, and the Shanghai Artificial Intelligence Laboratory to develop AI-based forecasting models, keeping pace with leading meteorological centers in Europe and the United States.