Power Asymmetry over Hydropower Development in the Mekong River Basin

Abstract

This research analyzes the power asymmetry over hydropower development between the upstream state, China and the four downstream states, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia in the Mekong River Basin since the mid-1990s. The hydro-hegemony approach is deployed to evaluate the relationships between the riparian states. This research will attempt to answer the following questions. First, how much does China have an influence on the Mekong River Basin and how can China (hegemon) maintain its hegemonic position? Second, do the interactions between China and the riparian states lead to conflict cooperation, and there is any behavioral change of China toward cooperation? Considering potential detrimental impacts of the Chinese dams on downstream, China’s cooperative attitude is necessary. Criticism about China's unilateral behavior in hydropower development and increased benefits through cooperation have transformed China's position into a cooperative mode gradually. In particular, cooperation in the Mekong River Basin has resulted in poverty reduction and boosting local economies in the Yunnan Province, and the development of non-water sectors (transportation, energy, tourism and industries) has allowed China to realize the shared benefits of cooperation with the downstream states. China's gradual acceptance of cooperation connotes a possibility of regional cooperation in the Mekong River Basin. However, China appears to establish its own architecture of cooperation mechanism in the Mekong River Basin by sustaining their hegemon position through the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and the One Belt One Road initiative. In order to strengthen the cooperation in the Mekong River Basin, it is necessary to be vigilant regarding the water-centered regional hegemonism through continuous international cooperation.