China’s dedication to water infrastructure reached new heights in 2025, with total investments in water conservation construction hitting 12.848 trillion yuan. Minister of Water Resources Li Guoying shared this update at the National Water Conservation Work Conference on January 5-6 in Beijing, confirming it’s the fourth year in a row surpassing 10 trillion yuan.
A staggering 47,563 projects were rolled out, sparking the creation of 3.15 million jobs. From reservoirs to irrigation systems, these initiatives have transformed water management across provinces.
Progress extended to critical fronts: fortifying the national water grid, ramping up flood and drought defenses, restoring vital aquatic ecosystems in rivers and lakes, and deploying cutting-edge digital twin systems. Each pillar contributes to a safer, more sustainable water future.
This level of funding highlights China’s proactive stance on environmental threats. With climate change amplifying risks, these projects safeguard food security, industrial output, and urban livability. The job surge further amplifies socioeconomic benefits, particularly in rural areas.
Conference discussions focused on sustaining momentum through innovation. Minister Li called for deeper tech integration, forecasting enhanced predictive capabilities and resource optimization. As global water crises loom, China’s model offers valuable lessons in scale, strategy, and execution.