Reciprocal Transboundary Cooperation on the Lancang-Mekong River: Towards an Inclusive and Ecological Relationship

The Lancang Mekong Cooperation (LMC) is a significant new multilateral initiative between China and the countries of mainland Southeast Asia. Transboundary water management is one of five key themes addressed by the LMC. This policy brief assesses emerging principles for transboundary water cooperation under the LMC, in particular the concept of 'reciprocity' between upstream and downstream states that has been proposed by some academics and think tanks in China. The analysis concludes that as the LMC becomes a more consolidated institution, a genuine and equal partnership for the Lancang-Mekong River cooperation is needed that could build upon the principles of "inclusive reciprocity" between state and non-state actors, and "ecological reciprocity" that recognizes the need for an ecologically healthy Lancang-Mekong River.

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Policy Brief