HOW DOES THE MRC FEEL ABOUT THE DAMS BEING BUILT ON THE UPPER MEKONG BY CHINA?
• Although China is not a full member of the MRC, there is a cooperative working relationship which has gradually been improving over recent years. The basis of that cooperation is good scientific analysis and understanding of the Mekong – the potential impact of any human activity and where possible, the mitigation of that impact. • As a dialogue partner with the MRC, China is well aware of the potential consequences of hydropower construction and has indicated its willingness to work together at a technical level on these issues. China has also clearly stated that it will operate the upstream projects so that river flows downstream are maintained at acceptable levels. • The MRC uses modeling systems to assess the potential impact that the Chinese cascade of dams will have in the future and the results of this work is forms the basis of our discussions with China. For example, we are discussing potential cooperation in the Strategic Environmental Assessment of proposed mainstream dams
