China`s Continuous Dam-building on the Mekong River

Abstract

This article analyses China`s hydro-politics along the Mekong River. It seeks to explain why China`s unilateral dam-building projects on the upper reaches of the river have not been met with sustained criticism on the part of the downstream riparian countries, for which upstream dams are likely to have severe negative consequences. It is held that China has embarked on a strategy of implicit and broadly conceived actor-reversed issue linkage as a means to nip any loud disapproval of its dams in the bud. By downplaying its dam-building projects and instead promoting common development goals with the Mekong riparian countries through highly increased political and economic engagement, Beijing has successfully defused any potential counter-measures against its dams, at least for the time being. The sustainability of this strategy and its transferability to others of China`s trans-boundary rivers must be questioned. © 2012 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.