Against the backdrop of climate change, water network systems face systemic risks involving multiple overlapping hazards and cross-scale transmission. Traditional analysis paradigms centered on engineering structural safety are insufficient to meet the security requirements of complex mega-systems under changing environmental conditions. Starting from the current status of China's water network development, this study reviews major achievements, identifies key challenges in building a safe and resilient modern water network, and analyzes existing gaps in the basic theories and methods of water network resilience. Considering the multi-objective, multi-level, and multi-element coupling characteristics of water network systems, and focusing on the three core functions of water supply, flood control, and ecological protection, this study defines the scientific connotation of a safe and resilient modern water network and proposes a corresponding theoretical framework. On this basis, a strategic framework for developing a safe and resilient modern water network is established. Strategic objectives are proposed around cascading risk prevention and control, functional maintenance, recovery and reconstruction, and digital-intelligent iteration. An implementation pathway is clarified through the coordination of engineering systems, network structures, dispatching mechanisms, and digital-intelligent systems. A closed-loop operation mechanism that integrates perception, analysis, decision-making, execution, feedback, and optimization is also recommended. Furthermore, from the three scales of macro-level planning, meso-level dispatching, and micro-level control, this study proposes a multi-scale collaborative promotion strategy for constructing a safe and resilient modern water network. Systematic development recommendations are also provided from five aspects: engineering foundation, dispatching capacity, scientific research, institutional mechanisms, and industrial layout. The findings can provide important support for building the theoretical system and promoting the engineering application of safe and resilient modern water networks.