Mekong frictions likely to rise in South-east Asia

Significance

The minister called for “all upstream Mekong River nations to adopt proper policies in exploiting the river”, especially regarding construction of hydropower dams. The comments hint at several emerging risks confronting the Mekong subregion and its constituent countries as the area is developed.

Impacts

• Environment-related protests are likely to occur more often in the Mekong subregion.
• This could be reflected in greater popular pressure on businesses to adopt socially responsible operations practices.
• As Chinese commerce in the Mekong countries grows, local social and labour unrest could occur.