China’s top leadership met on Friday to review ongoing flood prevention efforts and roll out new disaster and education policies. Premier Li Qiang chaired the executive meeting of the State Council in Beijing, where officials discussed pressing challenges facing the country’s weather-impacted regions.
Flood prevention efforts took center stage, with Li urging stronger coordination among departments. China now enters a critical period for flood risk. Therefore, the State Council emphasized that protecting lives must remain the top priority across all levels of government.
Authorities plan to upgrade early warning systems to detect potential flooding and improve emergency readiness. They also aim to strengthen risk management at key sites, especially in vulnerable regions, construction zones, and infrastructure projects.
Meanwhile, for regions battling drought, officials outlined new plans to secure irrigation water and ensure sufficient drinking supplies. The meeting stressed that both short-term needs and long-term water infrastructure upgrades must be addressed immediately.
In addition to reviewing flood prevention efforts, the State Council approved interim guidelines for evaluating and responding to natural disasters. The leadership called for greater focus on boosting national disaster response capacity through improved planning, faster recovery strategies, and more effective relief coordination.
The meeting also unveiled a major social policy shift—China will begin implementing free pre-school education nationwide. Leaders described this as a critical move to promote equitable access and benefit millions of families.
Local governments were instructed to prepare detailed action plans. These plans must include financial subsidies to support kindergartens and expand classroom space. Moreover, authorities will prioritize vulnerable groups including children with disabilities, orphans, and those from low-income households.
To support the rollout, the State Council ordered faster construction of new facilities and higher wages for early childhood educators. Leaders also stressed the importance of maintaining both physical safety and mental health for children in kindergarten programs.
In conclusion, the State Council’s latest session signaled stronger commitment to flood prevention efforts and a long-term vision for educational equality. These initiatives reflect China’s dual priorities of safeguarding citizens and improving quality of life.
