Chinese construction projects: The truth behind China’s collapsing buildings.

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Structural failures in Chinese construction projects

On March 28, 2024, a 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar, killing thousands and causing widespread destruction. Even in Bangkok, Thailand—more than 800 miles away—buildings swayed violently. Yet, one structure didn’t just shake—it instantly collapsed like a house of cards.

The 33-story building, intended to house Thailand’s State Audit Office, was one of the many Chinese construction projects by China Railway No. 10 Engineering Group, a subsidiary of the state-owned China Railway Engineering Corporation (CREC).

The collapse killed and trapped dozens, raising urgent questions about construction quality. Just months earlier, Chinese state media had praised the project as a model of resilience, boasting about its advanced earthquake-resistant technology. Yet, when tested by a distant quake, the building crumbled—exposing a pattern of shoddy construction, corruption, and cover-ups that plague Chinese infrastructure projects worldwide.

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Frequent structural failures

Building collapses as part of Chinese construction projects are not new. Over the past decade, there have been multiple high-profile cases, including the Changsha collapse in 2022, the Harbin warehouse collapse in 2020, and numerous incidents dating back to the early 2000s.

These failures highlight systemic problems in the country’s construction industry, ranging from poor quality materials to corruption and weak enforcement of safety standards.

The problem as mentioned earlier extends beyond China’s borders. In Kenya, a bridge built by a subsidiary of the China Railway Engineering Corporation collapsed just two weeks after being inspected by the country’s president.

In Angola, a hospital constructed by a Chinese firm had to be evacuated due to deep cracks in its walls, threatening the lives of patients and staff. These incidents raise concerns about China’s role as a global builder, particularly in developing countries that rely on Chinese infrastructure projects.

Key causes of building collapses

Substandard materials

One of the major reasons Chinese construction projects frequently collapse is the use of inferior materials. Reports from Thailand’s Ministry of Industry indicate that the Bangkok building collapse was partly due to the use of substandard steel, which was not suitable for high-rise construction.

The steel reinforcement rods reportedly bent and snapped under pressure, causing the entire structure to crumble. Similar issues have been reported in past collapses, including the use of weak concrete and non-compliant steel that fails to meet international standards.

Corruption and cost-cutting

Corruption is a well-documented problem in Chinese construction projects. Many infrastructure projects are awarded to companies that underbid competitors by cutting corners on material quality and labour costs. Bribery and collusion between construction firms and government officials often result in lax inspections and falsified safety certifications. In many cases, buildings are completed with hidden structural flaws that become evident only when they fail catastrophically.

Lack of skilled labour

Rapid urbanisation in China has led to an immense demand for construction labour. However, the workforce often consists of poorly trained workers who lack the necessary skills to ensure safe and stable construction.

Many Chinese construction firms also outsource labour to the cheapest available contractors, further reducing oversight and accountability. In the case of the Bangkok collapse, investigators had already flagged concerns about worker shortages and mismanagement before the disaster occurred.

Weak regulatory oversight

China’s construction regulations are often weakly enforced, both domestically and in overseas projects. Many buildings fail to comply with proper safety codes, particularly those related to earthquake resistance. The Chinese government often prioritises speed and cost-effectiveness over structural integrity, leading to shoddy workmanship.

Even when collapses occur, investigations rarely lead to significant legal consequences for the firms involved. In the Bangkok case, Thai authorities launched a probe, but with only a seven-day deadline, it remains uncertain whether meaningful accountability will be achieved.

Recycled and illegally imported materials

Another disturbing trend is the use of old, repurposed materials in new construction projects. Investigators in Thailand suspect that the substandard steel used in the Bangkok building originated from outdated equipment and production processes relocated from China.

This pattern has been observed in other countries where China operates, raising concerns that failing infrastructure may be a recurring problem in Chinese-funded projects worldwide.

The cover-up playbook

After the Bangkok collapse, witnesses reported Chinese nationals smuggling documents from the site. Police later detained five Chinese citizens and a Thai interpreter, seizing 37 folders containing documents—raising suspicions of a cover-up. Meanwhile, Chinese state media quietly scrubbed earlier propaganda posts celebrating the project.

Investigators soon found evidence of substandard steel—material unfit for a high-rise. This aligns with Thailand’s recent crackdown on Chinese-linked steel producers using outdated, unsafe methods.

A global problem

China’s construction failures aren’t confined to its borders. In Kenya, a Chinese-built bridge collapsed two weeks after the president inspected it. In Angola, a Chinese-constructed hospital developed dangerous cracks, forcing evacuations. These projects, often part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, promise development but deliver dangerous, subpar infrastructure.

Consequences of structural failures

The repercussions of building collapses extend beyond immediate fatalities and injuries. They also result in enormous financial losses, legal battles, and public distrust. In Thailand, the collapse of the State Audit Office building has not only caused loss of life but has also led to an investigation that could impact future collaboration between Thailand and Chinese construction firms. The economic fallout from such disasters often leaves governments burdened with costly repairs and reconstruction efforts.

Furthermore, these incidents damage China’s global image. While the Chinese government actively promotes its infrastructure projects as symbols of progress and development, frequent structural failures tell a different story—one of compromised safety, corruption, and negligence.

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Solutions and accountability

Addressing this issue requires significant reforms in both China’s domestic and international construction practices. Some potential solutions include:

Stricter quality control: Chinese firms must be held accountable for using high-quality materials and following international safety standards. Independent audits of construction projects could help ensure compliance.

Transparent investigations: Governments in countries hosting Chinese projects should conduct thorough investigations into collapses and impose strict penalties for violations.

Better training for workers: Investing in skilled labour and proper training can improve the quality of construction and reduce structural failures.

Anti-corruption measures: Stronger oversight and enforcement of anti-corruption laws within China’s construction sector could reduce the influence of bribery and unethical business practices.

Long-term maintenance plans: Many Chinese-funded projects suffer from poor maintenance, leading to premature degradation. Ensuring long-term structural integrity through regular inspections and maintenance programmes is crucial.

The Bangkok collapse is a symptom of a deeper issue: China’s construction sector prioritises propaganda over safety. Collectively, these incidents suggest underlying problems related to quality control, adherence to safety standards, and the materials used in segments of the Chinese construction industry.

The recurring theme, evidenced by preliminary findings in the Thailand case and the sheer frequency of collapses, points towards potential systemic issues such as cutting corners, utilising substandard materials like inadequate steel, and insufficient regulatory oversight or enforcement.

While Chinese state media and companies often promote the speed and scale of their construction projects as achievements, the repeated failures resulting in significant loss of life and property damage raise critical questions about the actual reliability and safety practices employed, contrasting sharply with the official narrative of engineering excellence.

The evidence suggests a need for greater scrutiny and accountability in construction practices associated with certain Chinese firms, both domestically and abroad.

Sources:

“Bangkok reviews construction safety after a high-rise was crumpled by an earthquake 800 miles away – AP News” https://apnews.com/article/thailand-quake-building-collapse-china-disaster-d0d55dc94a8cdc629c6c02b706296ae2

“China Railway No 10 and its 13 government contracts worth 7.2B – Nation Thailand” https://www.nationthailand.com/blogs/business/corporate/40048188

“Chinese contractor of quake-hit building that collapsed in Bangkok under scrutiny” https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/chinese-contractor-of-collapsed-bangkok-building-under-scrutiny

“China urges firms to follow laws after Bangkok building collapse – CNA” https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/bangkok-earthquake-building-collapse-china-urges-firms-follow-laws-5039386

“DSI suspects proxy shareholdings in Chinese builder of collapsed skyscraper – Bangkok Post” https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2993737/dsi-suspects-proxy-shareholdings-in-chinese-builder-of-collapsed-skyscraper

“China muzzles online debate on construction standards after Bangkok building collapse – Radio Free Asia” https://www.rfa.org/english/china/2025/04/01/china-censors-online-debate-bangkok-collapse/#:~:text=TAIPEI%2C%20Taiwan%20%E2%80%93%20The%20collapse%20of,safety%20and%20Beijing’s%20ability%20to

“Myanmar earthquake: Chinese men caught stealing documents from building collapse site in Bangkok – Hindustan Times” https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/myanmar-earthquake-chinese-men-caught-stealing-documents-from-building-collapse-site-in-bangkok-101743398160922.html#:~:text=Police%20Major%20General%20Nopasin%20Poolswat,files%20of%20documents%20from%20the

“‘Substandard steel’ used in collapsed Bangkok tower – Bangkok Post” https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2992846/substandard-steel-used-in-collapsed-bangkok-tower

“Xin Ke Yuan Steel under scrutiny for substandard steel bars – The Nation Thailand” https://www.nationthailand.com/news/general/40048227#:~:text=%E2%80%9CWe%20have%20already%20inspected%20and,%2C%E2%80%9D%20he%20said%2C%20adding%20that

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_Qiqihar_school_gymnasium_collapse#:~:text=The%20roof%20of%20the%20school,local%20time%2C%20killing%2011%20people

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