Typhoon Bawi brings waves of trash ashore in China's Zhejiang province

Typhoon Bawi made landfall along China's Zhejiang coast late on July 11, bringing with it not only strong winds and rain but also a startling amount of garbage. Residents captured dramatic footage of towering waves, some reportedly over 100 meters high, crashing onto the shore, carrying a visible burden of debris.

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This is the sea? It has become the Yellow River.

The striking images, shared widely on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Threads by overseas Chinese writer Li Ying, show the immense waves inundating coastal areas. Closer inspection of the footage revealed that the churning waters were filled with a significant amount of man-made waste, creating a shocking spectacle.

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Nature is returning the sins created by Chinese people back to China.

The visual of trash-filled waves quickly drew sharp criticism from netizens, both within China and abroad. Many commenters expressed dismay at the scale of pollution, with some interpreting the event as a form of environmental retribution. Remarks ranged from comparisons to the Yellow River due to the murky water to accusations of poor public hygiene and environmental awareness.

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Real garbage typhoon, why not go directly to Beijing to petition?

International observers and Chinese netizens alike used the event to highlight concerns about China's environmental impact. Comments pointed to the visible trash as a direct consequence of inadequate waste management and pollution. Some users lamented the state of domestic waters, suggesting that pollution levels affect marine life and questioning the safety of food sources, contrasting it with perceived cleaner environments in Western countries. The phrase "物归原主" (wù guī yuán zhǔ), meaning "returning to the owner," became a recurring theme in the online discussion, sarcastically referring to the trash returning to China's shores.

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Usually poor public morality and environmental awareness, now facing retribution.