Advertisement
Science
ChinaScience

China says new Mazu weather warning AI will help developing nations prepare for disaster

China Meteorological Administration nods to sea goddess in unveiling Multi-hazard Alert Zero-gap and Universal system

Reading Time:3 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
China says its Mazu AI-powered weather warning system is a symbol of Beijing’s joint response to extreme weather and will aid developing nations. Photo: Shutterstock
Zhang Tongin Beijing
China has unveiled Mazu, an AI-powered weather warning system named after a Chinese sea goddess and designed to help developing nations prepare for natural disasters.

Mazu is one of the most revered Chinese deities in Southeast Asia, sometimes conflated with the Virgin Mary. The Multi-hazard Alert Zero-gap and Universal (Mazu) system was purpose-built for global reach, according to China’s national weather service.

The initiative, which was unveiled at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai on Saturday, is expected to support partner countries under China’s Belt and Road Initiative by introducing critical early warning capabilities.

03:33

Will AI replace conventional methods in forecasting typhoons in Hong Kong?

Will AI replace conventional methods in forecasting typhoons in Hong Kong?

“With extreme weather posing a global challenge, the CMA is building an early warning partnership network with other countries to jointly tackle extreme weather,” Zeng Qin, director of international cooperation at the China Meteorological Administration (CMA), said, highlighting the system’s core mission.

Advertisement

“We’re actively co-developing cloud warning systems with partners like Ethiopia and Pakistan. China’s Fengyun satellites already serve 133 nations,” he said in a CMA statement.

“Wherever Mazu is seen around the world, it serves as a symbol of our joint response to extreme weather.”

Advertisement
In naming the system Mazu, the CMA is tapping into a mythological and historical spirit of guardianship.
Advertisement
Select Voice
Choose your listening speed
Get through articles 2x faster
1.25x
250 WPM
Slow
Average
Fast
1.25x