Obstacles and Countermeasures for China to Promote the Cooperative Management of Lancang-Mekong Water Resources

Abstract

Since its launch in 2016, the Lancang-Mekong cooperation has been steadily advancing through a range of projects, notably those concerning cooperative governance of water resources. In recent years, foreign actors have cast doubt on China's involvement in the Lancang-Mekong River Basin, fueling the propagation of the "China water threat theory" and exerting influence over water resource management in the region through various channels, including strategic partnership initiatives, organizational mechanisms, and technical communication. Meanwhile, China faces daunting challenges in managing water resources in the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation region, including intense market competition and hedging issues, which hamper its international image. This study analyzes the challenges and obstacles that China may confront in developing water resources cooperation between the Lancang and Mekong Rivers, and proposes recommendations for further advancing China's engagement in water resources management.