Abstract  [Aim]  The generational characteristics of the emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis, were explored under current and future global warming scenarios in China to determine the responses of EAB to various climatic conditions across different provincial administrative districts. The findings of this study will provide guidance for effective monitoring and control of EAB in areas currently affected by EAB infestations and those at risk of future spread. [Methods]  Based on the developmental data of EAB in Tianjin, and the annual mean daily temperature, daily maximum, and minimum temperatures across China from 2010 to 2020, the double-sine-wave model was used to assess the effective accumulated temperature (EAT) throughout the entire lifecycle of EAB under current conditions, and 1.5 and 2 ℃ global warming scenarios. Additionally, we estimated the current correlations between EAB voltinism and the annual mean, maximum, and minimum temperatures after predicting the voltinism of the pest in different provincial administrative districts in China. [Results]  1) Using the Tianjin population as an example, the EAT of the entire EAB generation was estimated to be 2 519.9 degree·days. 2) Under current conditions, Qinghai Province recorded the lowest values for both EAT and voltinism, with 1 109.89 degree·days and one generation every two years, respectively. Conversely, Hainan Province recorded the highest EAT and voltinism values with 5 535.88 degree·days and two generations per year, respectively. Additionally, for the remaining 32 districts, EAT and voltinism increased with increasing latitude and altitude. There was a linear relationship between current voltinism of EAB and the three different annual temperatures. Additionally, there was a negative correlation between current voltinism and the latitudinal and altitudinal distributions of EAB. 3) Under 1.5 and 2 ℃ global warming scenarios, there was an increase in both the EAT and voltinism of EAB across China. When the EAT ranged between 1 000 and 3 000 degree·days, there was a decrease in the number of provincial administrative districts. However, an increase was observed when the EAT exceeded 3 000 degree·days. Similar changes in voltinism were observed, particularly in central and southern China. [Conclusion]  If EAB spreads into its potential distribution areas such as central and southern China, its population will likely establish rapidly, and continued global warming will exacerbate the risks of its spread and damage.