China has solidified its position as a global leader in water infrastructure development, announcing unprecedented progress under its 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025). Officials from the Ministry of Water Resources revealed on Monday that the country now operates the world's largest and most comprehensive water management system, marking a milestone in sustainable development.
Key Infrastructure Milestones
Minister Li Guoying disclosed that China has constructed 95,000 reservoirs and 200 large- to medium-scale water diversion projects since 2021. The network now includes 6,924 major irrigation zones and 318,000 kilometers of embankments, with 80.3% of the national water network operational. These projects support 73 million hectares of irrigated farmland and provide 96% of rural residents with tap water access.
Economic Impact and Investment
Water conservancy investments broke records for three consecutive years, surpassing 1.35 trillion yuan ($190 billion) in 2024 alone. Total 14th FYP spending is projected at 5.4 trillion yuan – a 60% increase from the previous five-year period. Minister Li emphasized this funding enabled 172 major projects improving water distribution and flood control capabilities.
Technological Leap Forward
Zhang Xiangwei, head of planning, highlighted advancements in smart water management: 'Our 12 intelligent dam pilots and modern reservoir systems represent a paradigm shift.' Over 62,000 reservoirs now feature real-time monitoring systems, while 55,000 dam sites utilize advanced safety equipment.
These developments underscore China's commitment to balancing economic growth with ecological preservation, creating new opportunities in agricultural stability and urban-rural development.
