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| Southeast Asia | |
| Thai officials condemn Chinese dam plans | |
| 2010-07-02 | |
At the Mekong River Commission gathering on Thursday in Ho Chi Minh City, Prasarn Maruekpithak, Thai representative, said, "China's four dams on the upper part of the Mekong River have already destroyed the river's ecosystem. Now this giant nation plans to build 12 dams more on the lower part." Drought-like conditions have contributed to low water levels on the Mekong, an agricultural and economic lifeline for MRC members Thailand, Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. Thai groups have blamed dam construction by China, which acts an observer to the MRC, for the low water levels, and have put pressure on Bangkok to take a firm stance on the issue. China recently brought lawmakers from the four MRC countries to Yunnan province, in a rare public diplomacy initiative designed to soothe concerns about Chinese activity on the river. The dispute comes amid growing economic links between China and the rest of southeast Asia. Trade between China and members of the Association of South East Asian Nations now tops $100bn and is expected to grow after a free trade agreement between Beijing and Asean was made in January. | |
| Posted by:lotp |
| #2 o hai! |
| Posted by: FLA Kommando A 2010-07-02 18:28 |
| #1 "yessssss!" /Flyash Liberation Army |
| Posted by: Frank G 2010-07-02 18:26 |