The Mekong becomes a contested lifeline

The waters of the Mekong River are becoming the focus of geopolitical altercations. Beijing is proceeding to dam the river's upper reaches and threatening the livelihoods of millions of people in Southeast Asia in doing so. The US fears that the riparian states are becoming increasingly dependent on the People's Republic, and are beginning to intensify their involvement in the conflict. But responses of the Southeast Asian states are divided, as they fear getting caught in the crossfire in a potential conflict between the superpowers. Could this be a sign that their dependence on China is already too great?

Last updated: 24. July 2025