Mekong River Policy China’s Perspective “Dam it now.”

Agenda Overview/Background Review of Policy Options Most Likely Course of Action Q&A

Map Dams -China 4/7 -Others – Hydro projects planned for Mekong and tributaries. Laos Cambodia Thailand Burma China Vietnam

Overview/Background 6 countries shared resource (China, Laos, Cambodia, Viet Nam, Burma, Thailand). Each country dependent upon river for economic stability, food security, and socioeconomic stability. Each country has a separate development plan for river; no overall plan to share resources. No treaties exist; Mekong River Commission established w/ 4 countries (China/Burma excluded).

China’s Policy Options Option 1: Maintain status quo. Option 2: Negotiate water treaty/Join Mekong River Commission.

Analysis of Policy Option 1 “ Maintain Status Quo” Pros: – Supports internal energy needs; maintains momentum to construct 3 new dams on river. – No external influences/factors needed to achieve internal energy security. – Little impact to Chinese population to develop river. Cons: – Places lower Mekong countries way of life at risk (food/health). – Potential for regional instability; environmental impact to fish migration, silt and erosion. – Potential for negative political relations with region/global.

Analysis of Policy Option 2 “ Negotiate water treaty/Join Mekong River Commission. ” Pros: – Potential for long-term positive relationships with regional countries. – Establish leadership role in region. – Improve world-view, doing something good for environment/region. Cons: – Places external influence on internal energy policy/demands. – Halt or delay existing plans for development. – Establish precedent on external vs. internal goals.

Most Likely Course of Action “Maintain Status Quo”

Questions?