China and Thailand launch AI weather forecasting laboratory
AI strengthens China and Thailand’s cooperation on weather forecasting and early warning.
China and Thailand have launched a joint laboratory dedicated to applying AI to meteorological disaster forecasting and early warning, aiming to strengthen climate resilience and support cross-border infrastructure and economic cooperation.
Announced during a meteorological sub-forum of the 2026 World AI Conference and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance in Shanghai, the initiative will support disaster forecasting while providing meteorological services for cross-border projects in sectors including energy, agriculture and infrastructure.
Described as the world’s first bilateral laboratory dedicated to AI applications in meteorology, it will develop intelligent early warning technologies for hazards including typhoons, heavy rainfall, heatwaves and droughts. The collaboration builds on the China Meteorological Administration’s MAZU intelligent early warning system.
The laboratory will bring together more than 40 researchers specialising in atmospheric science, AI, power systems, agricultural meteorology and regional cooperation. By combining expertise across these fields, the partners aim to improve forecasting accuracy and strengthen preparedness for shared climate risks.
The partnership reflects the growing role of AI in climate resilience and disaster risk management while highlighting increasing international cooperation on applying AI to environmental monitoring and critical infrastructure.
Why does it matter?
The project illustrates how AI is increasingly being deployed in critical public-interest applications beyond generative AI, including disaster preparedness, climate adaptation and environmental monitoring. More accurate forecasting can help governments, infrastructure operators and communities respond more effectively to extreme weather events.
The initiative also reflects a broader trend towards international cooperation on AI for public goods. By combining scientific expertise, data and forecasting technologies across borders, countries can strengthen regional resilience to climate-related risks while supporting sectors such as energy, agriculture and transport.
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