China and ASEAN to Deepen Cooperation in Earthquake Monitoring and Disaster Management

China and ASEAN to Deepen Cooperation in Earthquake Monitoring and Disaster Management

by

China and eight ASEAN member states convened in Nanning, capital of the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, to deepen cross-border cooperation in disaster governance centered on earthquake monitoring, AI-powered risk assessment and early warning systems. More than 240 representatives attended Wednesday’s opening of the 2026 China (Guangxi)-ASEAN Conference on Emergency Management (Earthquake Prevention and Disaster Reduction) Cooperation and Development, which aims to strengthen regional mechanisms for joint risk prevention and emergency response.

China Shares Earthquake Response Methods

Wang Kun, administrator of the China Earthquake Administration, said China has prioritized protecting lives by developing the world’s largest earthquake early-warning network, hardening cities and infrastructure, applying AI to seismic data systems and raising public disaster awareness. He pointed to China’s response to the March 2025 Myanmar earthquake as an example of regional cooperation: a 37-member Yunnan rescue and medical team reached Myanmar within 18 hours as the first international team on the scene, followed by a 118-member China International Search and Rescue Team. Wang said China stands ready to expand cooperation with ASEAN in seismic monitoring, early warning, disaster risk reduction, technological innovation and personnel training.

Cambodia Adopts AI for Disaster Monitoring

Kim Virak, vice-president and secretary-general of Cambodia’s National Committee for Disaster Management, said his country faces mounting disaster challenges and intends to deploy Chinese algorithms, remote sensing and big data to improve real-time flood forecasting, multi-hazard risk assessments and automated early warnings in vulnerable river basins and developing urban areas.

“No single country or city can address disasters and risks alone. By working together, we strengthen our ability to anticipate hazards, protect lives and achieve more effective post-disaster recovery.”

Kim said. Sun Li, deputy director at the China Earthquake Networks Center, said China has assisted Laos, Myanmar, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Cambodia in constructing seismic monitoring stations and risk assessment systems. He also emphasized that exchanging data across borders and developing joint early-warning systems would strengthen regional disaster preparedness.

Guangxi Promotes Disaster Tech Cooperation

Cao Zhiqiang, vice-chairman of Guangxi, said the region would use its position as a gateway to ASEAN to advance disaster prevention cooperation and support Belt and Road projects. Through Friday, the conference also includes an exhibition of emergency response technologies, a roundtable of China-ASEAN earthquake prevention institutions, technical exchanges and a China-Cambodia visit focused on resilient urban development.

Rescue teams from China and ASEAN countries join forces for drills in Guangxi

More on this

Read next