Put bluntly, the Mekong River region represents a crucial testing ground for Beijing’s mid- to long-term ambitions — not acknowledged officially — to become the hegemon in East Asia and possibly beyond.
Category: Analysis
Something Is Very Wrong on the Mekong River
This year’s drought is just a preview of more dire problems to come if government don’t change course.
New Elevation Measure Shows Climate Change Could Quickly Swamp the Mekong Delta
A stunning 12 million people could be displaced by flooding in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta within half a century, according to new research.
Raising agricultural productivity in Vietnam isn’t rocket science
Land is being lost to salinity intrusion and coastal erosion. Dry-season surface water is scarce. Gains from crop and livestock/aquaculture improvements are difficult to sustain due to climate change-induced pest and disease pressures.
Megaprojects a Double-Edged Sword for Myanmar
Experts warn the projects pose risks to the country if the government can’t manage them properly.
Forests caught between well-meaning conflicting laws
Since the process to prove historial residency is complicated and lengthy, forestry officials found many pieces of park lands under investigation were bought and transferred.
Damming the Mekong Basin to environmental hell
But, far from protecting against water shortages, as supporters promise, large dams are contributing to river depletion and severely exacerbating parched conditions.
Dams threaten way of life in Mekong countries
The operation of dams along the Mekong River is exacerbating conditions in a particularly dry year and choking off a lifeline for Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam.
Myanmar’s lifeblood in peril
The Ayeyarwady River, dubbed the lifeblood of Myanmar and home to a threatened species of dolphin, is being suffocated by tonnes of plastic. It has been ranked the ninth most polluted river in the world.
Cambodia’s electric Chinese aid and investment affair
Royal Group displaced Lowe Se San dam-affected villagers for a fraction of what a similar resettlement would have cost in China. Villagers suffered while Royal Group exploited its close ties with the regime to profit enormously.