In 1998, WMO formally made plan of WMO RCC. In April, 2001, WMO organized the Inter-Commission Task Team on Regional Climate Centres (ICTT)，discussed on definition, functions, tasks and development of RCC. In May, 2003, 14th WMO Congress urged CCl to develop guidelines and procedures to assist the regional associations in the implementation of the RCC.

To better performance its functions as a WMO Regional Climate Centre (RCC), the Beijing Climate Centre (BCC) was set up in 2003, which was designated as a WMO RCC in RA II (Asia) at EC-LXI in June 2009. BCC began its official operation as from 1 July 2009. BCC has the obligations to deliver climate service for to the neighboring and surrounding countries in Asia and international climate community, and it has the following capabilities as a RCC.

BCC incorporates a WMO East Asian Monsoon Activity Centre (EAMAC), a WMO Global Producing Centre (GPC) for long-range forecasts, and a Centre for Extreme Events Monitoring in Asia (CEEMA). In 2006, BCC became one of GPC for long-range forecast within WMO framework. BCC produces and provides real-time interpretation and assessment of multi-model ensemble products. As a WMO EAMAC since 2006, BCC established website (http://bcc.cma.gov.cn/EAMAC/) to provide monsoon information service for RAII. In 2010, WMO confirmed the establishment of CEEMA to collect and archive data and/or information needed for monsoon research, particularly for research on high-impact weather in the monsoon regions.

BCC organizes and coordinates research efforts on regional climate, operational predictions and climate application and services, among others, and it also provides climate services to China and other Asian countries for disaster prevention and mitigation and for socio-economic development. BCC has made some significant progress in activities as a WMO RCC, such as operational long-range forecasts, climate monitoring, data services, use of regional climate products and training on service delivery, research on climate and climate change as well as capacity building. BCC is also engaged in climate data management and rescue for RAII, and involved in the International ACRE (Atmospheric Circulation Reconstructions over the Earth) Initiative to facilitate the recovery of historical surface data in RAII.

As one of the first officially designated WMO RCC, BCC played a leading role in initiating and sustaining the Regional Climate Outlook Forum (RCOF) process in Asia. The Beijing Climate Centre has been organizing the Forum on Regional Climate Monitoring, Assessment and Prediction for Asia (FOCRAII) every year since 2005 in order to provide climate applications and services of high quality. As a platform for exchanging and sharing experience and knowledge in seasonal prediction, FOCRAII has benefited WMO Members, especially those in RA II in fostering networks of climate experts and producing consensus-based forecasts for the Region. The forum focuses on seasonal to inter-annual climate prediction, East Asian monsoon activities, climate monitoring and impact assessment, climate system modeling, regional climate cooperation and implementation of the GFCS.

In conclusion, BCC has substantively enhanced its capabilities over past decade by improving its regional climate models, refining its climate products to meet the regional demands, establishing links with operational centers, co-sponsoring climate workshops, pilot projects, climate outlooks and a co-operated portal site within the region, and implementing WMO criteria for establishment of RCC, etc. BCC will actively expand and improve its skills in delivery of improved, targeted and tailored climate information, products and advisories for WMO Members of RA II, and eventually to make a due contribution to the Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS) proposed by the Third World Conference (WCC-3).

Website : www.rccra2.org