China has officially launched the world’s largest and most comprehensive coordinated meteorological observation system, integrating land, sea, air, and space coverage to enhance national and global weather monitoring capabilities. The development marks a major step in China’s strategy to advance meteorological science and strengthen its disaster forecasting and response infrastructure.
According to officials from the China Meteorological Administration (CMA), the system’s framework includes nine Fengyun meteorological satellites, 842 weather radars, and over 90,000 ground-based observation stations. The announcement was made during a press conference in Beijing, where CMA head Chen Zhenlin and deputy head Bi Baogui detailed the progress achieved during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021–2025). They noted that this extensive observation network reflects the country’s significant technological advancement and growing leadership in global meteorological research.
The CMA stated that China’s independently developed BeiDou navigation system has successfully broken the GPS monopoly in meteorological air sounding, providing more accurate data for atmospheric analysis and weather prediction. Over the past five years, China’s weather radar network has been upgraded to reach an internationally advanced level, now covering over 90 percent of densely populated regions. The improved system can identify more than 80 percent of hazardous weather events, including thunderstorms, hail, tornadoes, and heavy rainfall, offering enhanced early-warning capabilities for public safety and disaster management.
Officials emphasized that the coordinated meteorological observation network integrates multiple technologies and systems. It combines meteorological satellites and radars as the primary components, with additional support from high-altitude detectors, remote sensing systems, and greenhouse gas observation networks. This multi-layered structure enables real-time data collection from both terrestrial and atmospheric sources, improving the precision of short- and long-term forecasts.
The CMA also revealed that, for the first time, 35 small commercial meteorological satellites have been incorporated into China’s national observation framework. These smaller satellites serve as complementary assets to the Fengyun fleet, expanding data collection capacity and enhancing system redundancy. The integration of commercial satellites represents a new phase in China’s meteorological modernization, aligning with its broader goals to foster collaboration between public institutions and the private space sector.
China’s investment in its meteorological observation capabilities reflects a growing emphasis on technology-driven solutions to climate monitoring and disaster prevention. The system’s comprehensive coverage allows for better data sharing with international partners and contributes to global climate observation efforts coordinated under the World Meteorological Organization. As part of its ongoing modernization plans, China continues to focus on developing independent intellectual property in meteorological technologies, ensuring long-term sustainability and reducing reliance on foreign systems.
Through this extensive network of satellites, radars, and ground-based stations, China aims to enhance its ability to monitor extreme weather events, safeguard communities, and support sustainable development through improved environmental intelligence.
Follow the SPIN IDG WhatsApp Channel for updates across the Smart Pakistan Insights Network covering all of Pakistan’s technology ecosystem.
