Abstract: Based on the assessment model established on the basis of the sensitivity, adaptability of the water resources system, exposure and droughts risk, from the supply-demand balance view, the water resources vulnerability were evaluated in the eastern China monsoon region. The results show that under current conditions in 2000, nearly 90% of the research region faces moderate or serious vulnerability of water resources, where 75% is moderately or highly vulnerable and 15% is extremely vulnerable. Huanghe, Huaihe, Haihe and Liaohe River basins have the high water resources vulnerability. The future climate change will aggravate the risk of water resources vulnerability. Under different RCP emission scenarios in 2030s, moderately vulnerable areas will significantly expand in the eastern China monsoon region. Extremely vulnerable areas will account for 20% to 25%. Due to the increasing water demand, the water resources vulnerability pattern will not change in North China. And the southeastern river basins will also face possible water crisis in the future.

Key words: water resources vulnerability, climate change, the eastern China monsoon region