Xi Jinping says "improve ability and level of prevention and response" for natural disasters

Chinese leader Xi Jinping, in an essay published in the party journal Qiushi, urged stronger safeguards against natural disasters as deadly summer floods and landslides strain the country. The remarks, drawn from an April Politburo study session, came after the year’s strongest typhoon hit Beijing and separate landslides in Gansu and Chongqing killed dozens. Per the article, Xi called for shifting focus toward pre-disaster measures, enhanced monitoring and early warning, and repairs to flood-control and drainage weaknesses in northern China, while noting that global warming is intensifying extreme weather. He also pushed for using AI, drones, and satellite remote sensing in rescues and for preventing disaster risks from affecting economic, energy, and food security. His broader point, as reported, was a commitment to steadily strengthen preparedness and response to protect public safety and social stability.