Rules to reinforce riverfront readiness

Guideline seeks to increase capacity to deal with risks of flooding by 2035

China has introduced an overarching and comprehensive document guiding the governance of the country's rivers, with one of the major goals being boosting its ability to prevent and respond to flooding.

The guideline, issued by the general offices of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council, said China should significantly improve its capacity to ward off threats of flooding by 2035.

Pointing out the need to better adapt to climate change and enhance resilience against extreme rainfall and flooding, the guideline said authorities should determine targeted response approaches for different rivers in a scientific manner, and coordinate efforts to store, detain and discharge floodwaters.