China Suffers 76 Billion Losses Natural Disasters H1 2025 2025 07 15
Reuters1 day
China Reports $7.55B in Losses from Natural Disasters
Above: Rescuers searching for survivors at a site of a mudslide in Rongchag County, southwest China's Sichuan Province, on July 5, 2025. Image copyright: Xinhua via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-China narrative
China's proactive disaster response and expanded safety nets demonstrate effective governance in protecting citizens from natural disasters. The 42% reduction in economic losses compared to last year shows improved preparedness and that the mitigation strategies are working. Government investment in relief funds and compensation programs reflects a commitment to supporting affected communities.
Anti-China narrative
China's continued construction of coal plants at a record pace undermines climate action and contributes to Asia warming twice as fast as the global average. The country's insistence on building fossil fuel infrastructure — despite facing increasing extreme weather — shows contradictory priorities. Climate change is intensifying these disasters, yet China continues to expand its coal capacity.