Beijing reports heaviest rain in 140 years as China denies sinking G20 climate talks
GuardianAug 02, 2023
China: 20 Dead as Heavy Rains Batter Beijing
The Facts
On Tuesday, Typhoon Doksuri brought heavy rain and widespread flooding to northern China, causing at least 20 deaths in Beijing. More than 52K have been evacuated, as Beijing saw an average of 10 inches of rain from last Saturday to Monday.
The rains are likely to continue this week and could exacerbate flooding in the neighboring city of Tianjin and in Hebei province, as officials report at least nine deaths in Hebei.
The Spin
Anti-China narrative
As China faces once-in-a-generation flooding, it is disturbing to hear reports that China and Saudi Arabia may have obstructed climate change discussions at the G20 last week. China, which accounts for half of the world's coal production, has resisted calls to curb emissions, which continue to increase. China is seeing the real impacts of climate inaction this week, and it will hopefully spur change in Beijing.
Pro-China narrative
The PRC has been at the forefront of flood prevention as the country ramps up search-and-rescue efforts to minimize the loss of life. For the first time in its history, specially constructed reservoirs to detain floodwaters were put to use and greatly minimized damage from flooding. China will do whatever is necessary to mitigate the impacts of these typhoons and build even more resilient measures for the future.