China to prioritise cooperation

SIEM REAP: Six countries that share the waters of the Mekong River held ministerial-level talks in Cambodia on Wednesday, at which China vowed to prioritise cooperation in the region.

The two-day meeting that began on Wednesday is aimed at strengthening joint efforts for sustainable management and development of water resources in the Mekong River Basin.

Speaking at the Mekong River Commission, Chinese delegation leader Li Hong said China views the five downstream countries — Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam — as “long-standing friends and natural partners”.

Mr Li said China has established “comprehensive strategic partnerships” with all five of the Southeast Asian countries and he views cooperation in the region as a top priority.

Last year, China’s total trade with Southeast Asia reached $220 billion, an increase of 16% compared with the previous year’s figure, while Chinese investment has reached $42 billion in total, according to figures released at the meeting.

Mr Li said China views protection of water resources of the Mekong River seriously.

For many years, Southeast Asian nations have worried about the impact of hydropower, navigation, irrigation, fisheries and flood control projects being carried out on the river by China.

Mr Li said: “We understand and respect the concerns of the Mekong countries on hydropower development.

“Efforts have been made to respond to the expectation of the downstream countries.”