China will determine the future of the Mekong region

Subject

China's involvement in the Mekong region.

Significance

China’s Lancang-Mekong Cooperation initiative involves dam and development projects, special economic zones and trade. It is integrating the region into the Belt and Road Initiative and has largely eclipsed the existing regional institution established by the downstream Mekong states.

Impacts

• China's Mekong policies may foreshadow its approach to other regions and issues as it becomes more active in world affairs.
• Beijing will try to reduce the risk of a backlash by funding poverty-alleviation, development and industrial projects in the region.
• China's activities in the South China Sea will increase other governments' suspicion regarding Chinese activities on the Mekong.