Patterns of International Relations on Hydropower Development in the Mekong River Basin

Abstract

This research aims to analyze the interactions between China andthe four downstream countries Laos, Thailand, —Cambodia, andVietnam—ein the Mekong River Basin with special reference tohydropower development. Through application of the hydro-hegemonyapproach as a theoretical framework, the paper addresses diverseinteractions between China, the hegemon, and the Lower Mekongcountries, the non-hegemons. China has unilaterally undertaken itshydropower projects since the late 1980s, and criticism over thenegative impacts of the dams on the downstream has continued. Thecosts and benefits of the Chinese dams may unevenly be shared withthe downstream countries. In the meantime, China has started to beinvolved in numerous dam projects in the downstream countries asinvestor and developer, and the downstream countries have carriedout their hydropower projects. The economic and strategic tiesbetween China and the downstream countries have been strengthened,and the discussion on the adverse impacts of hydropowerdevelopment has taken a back seat to regional economic development. Enhanced cooperation between China and the downstream countriescan facilitate negotiations to create a transboundary water regime.Whether or not China has any incentive to do so remains in question.