The PRC is flexing its hegemony in its region, putting other countries at a disadvantage, and making them beholden to PRC consideration for a vital resource. Some say that Beijing is weaponizing water. This is a real danger. On closer inspection, though, Beijing’s actions reflect the government’s recognition that extreme measures are needed. Water scarcity for human consumption, power, and irrigation is a significant source of potential instability. China’s water problem is serious.
Category: Mekong
‘Water grabbing’ on the Mekong
As dam-building projects continue to proliferate along Southeast Asia’s vital Mekong River, experts in a recent online discussion panel agreed that the area is fast becoming overloaded with them, dredging up far-reaching issues ranging from international friction and industry “water grabs” to widespread ecological disasters and the growing impacts of climate change.
A US-China Green Deal may help the Mekong basin countries: Le Dinh Tinh
Vietnam as the lowest Mekong country is facing a lot of stress and strain. People even talk about a scary future scenario where the Delta might be wiped out of the map, becoming a submerged area. It is thus in the national interests of Vietnam to view the Mekong from the lens of security, development and international cooperation.
Unabated illegal wildlife trade prompts urgent call for stronger action in the Lower Mekong
The variety and prevalence of illegal wildlife trade in several locations emphasised that the circumstances facilitating illegal trade have not only remained but, in some cases, proliferated.
ASEAN member states adopt Regional Action Plan to tackle plastic pollution
Actions include guidelines for countries to phase out single-use plastics, harmonize regional policies on recycling and plastics packaging standards, and strengthen regional measurement and monitoring of marine debris. These coordinated measures will also enhance regional platforms for innovation, investments, and training.
Mekong depth set to dip
The National Water Command Centre (NWCC) also issued a warning to provinces along the Mekong River to brace for sharp drops in water levels, as the dam’s operator slashed its discharge rate to 1,854 cubic metres (m³) per second, from 2,525m³, on Friday and Saturday.
Cambodians displaced by dam struggle to retain their identity
Villagers who had to leave homes flooded in 2017 by the Lower Sesan 2 dam have seen their culture and livelihoods eroded
A green alternative to the BRI
Response to China’s Belt and Road Initiative has to contend with a history of authoritarian, carbon-heavy development that both China and its opponents have pursued
Sustainable Cambodia, Vietnam transboundary groundwater management deliberated
A project on enhancing the sustainability of transboundary groundwater management between Cambodia’s Mekong River lowland and Vietnam’s Mekong River delta so-called PIF has been discussed.