China has built—and is in the process of building—so many dams on the Mekong River that the biodiverse and once-mighty waterway will soon be a series of stagnant pools.
Category: Analysis
Analysts: Myanmar Government Statue Drive Risks Alienating Ethnic Groups
“Water is not sufficient, health care is not sufficient and the roads are not good,” says Chin State editor. “So instead of using that budget to build the statue, that money should be used for these things.”
China-Myanmar Economic Corridor Ambitions Meet Hard Reality
Myanmar’s troubles with CMEC mirror many of the issues China faces with BRI investment other countries. As with elsewhere, China may have the capital to spend on infrastructure in Myanmar, but it needs to adjust its approach.
Understanding inter-ethnic conflict in Myanmar
It’s noted how the 288 MW Yeywa Dam project on the Namtu river — backed by Chinese, German, Swiss, and Japanese companies — has caused tension in villages down the river from Namtu township in Kyaukme district.
Commentary: Caution rising in China beneath the the Belt and Road Initiative’s shiny facade
A railway being built through Laos is almost entirely to provide China easier access to Thailand, eventually linking with high-speed lines to Bangkok.
Wake-up call on climate issued: “Grow more trees”
The plan is to issue green bonds by raising funds from investors–the proceeds allocated to farmers to grow trees for processed timber or sold in the carbon trading market.
Laos’ Pak Lay Dam Impact Assessment ‘Plagiarized’
The MRC in a statement confirmed that parts of the assessment “appear to be similar to those of the Pak Beng project.”
World Heritage sites under climate siege
There are three UNESCO World Heritage sites in Southeast Asia that are vulnerable to climate change. This include Vietnam’s Hoi An Ancient Town with its 1,100 wood-framed buildings.
Paying for forest protection in Vietnam: A boon for forests, but not so much for their protectors
Villagers appreciate that the PFES program helps to restore forests. However, they are disappointed that its objective of lifting people out of poverty is still far from being realized.
Capital of Laos Seeks Stronger Ties to China
Hoping that China’s Belt and Road Initiative will improve connectivity with its neighbor, Laos is preparing for a new wave of Chinese investment in its property sector.