China’s Water Conservancy Investment is expected to exceed 5.4 trillion yuan during the 14th Five-Year Plan period. Consequently, this represents a 1.6-fold increase over the previous five-year period. Therefore, the growth highlights Beijing’s focus on modernizing water infrastructure and strengthening national water security.
Furthermore, Minister of Water Resources Li Guoying announced that China’s spending on water infrastructurereached record levels in recent years. In 2024, the country invested over 1.35 trillion yuan in water management projects. Notably, the sector first exceeded one trillion yuan in 2022, marking consecutive annual growth.
During the 14th Five-Year Plan, China launched 172 major water conservancy projects as part of its Water Conservancy Investment. These projects, in turn, optimize layouts, improve structures, enhance functionality, and strengthen system integration. According to officials, these initiatives form a foundation for long-term water management and economic development.
By the end of 2024, China completed 95,000 reservoirs, 200 water diversion projects, 6,924 irrigation districts, and 318,000 kilometers of dikes. As a result, this extensive network is part of the country’s water infrastructure investment program. It now forms the world’s largest water management system, benefiting millions nationwide.
Moreover, China has improved flood and drought prevention through its Water Conservancy Investment initiatives. The country managed 3,981 river floods exceeding warning levels. At the same time, authorities addressed severe droughts in the Yangtze and Pearl River basins, ensuring safe water supplies and adequate crop irrigation.
Economic resilience has strengthened thanks to China’s investment in water infrastructure. During 2021-2025, flood and waterlogging losses as a share of GDP fell to 0.18 percent, down from 0.28 percent. Officials attribute this improvement to enhanced infrastructure and advanced emergency management systems.
Experts suggest that China’s Water Conservancy Investment will continue to drive growth while reducing disaster risks. Additionally, the projects provide environmental and agricultural benefits, supporting food security and sustainable urban development.
Looking ahead, authorities plan to expand water infrastructure projects and integrate new monitoring technologies. Therefore, the ongoing Water Conservancy Investment underscores China’s focus on resilience, sustainability, and modern water governance.
