Bridging Relations along the Trans-Boundary Mekong River: China's Hydropower Diplomacy in Cambodia

In a global community ever more transformed by climate vulnerabilities, cooperation along transboundary rivers has increasingly transcended from the environmental, to the political domain. This holds especially true for the industrially powered economy of the People’s Republic of China, which, after its initial economic take-off, started pursuing an energy diplomacy strategy vis-à-vis the neighboring Greater Mekong Sub-region. However, predominantly known as the ‘upstream superpower’, that ambition poses challenges for this country on a quest for water resources. This thesis focuses on the Mekong sub-region country Cambodia, which, since becoming a member of ASEAN and WTO, has deepened economic, as well as political ties with China. Here, the effects of China’s importance to Cambodia are evaluated, by looking at three critical components: 1) investment; 2) aid; and 3) trade. The analysis shows how China, through the provision of economic incentives through these pathways, has...Show moreIn a global community ever more transformed by climate vulnerabilities, cooperation along transboundary rivers has increasingly transcended from the environmental, to the political domain. This holds especially true for the industrially powered economy of the People’s Republic of China, which, after its initial economic take-off, started pursuing an energy diplomacy strategy vis-à-vis the neighboring Greater Mekong Sub-region. However, predominantly known as the ‘upstream superpower’, that ambition poses challenges for this country on a quest for water resources. This thesis focuses on the Mekong sub-region country Cambodia, which, since becoming a member of ASEAN and WTO, has deepened economic, as well as political ties with China. Here, the effects of China’s importance to Cambodia are evaluated, by looking at three critical components: 1) investment; 2) aid; and 3) trade. The analysis shows how China, through the provision of economic incentives through these pathways, has managed to increase both political support, while safeguarding domestic energy security. The thesis uses Cambodia’s hydropower sector as its case study to show how China’s regional pursuit, geo-economics strategy, and energy diplomacy can shed light on recent regional power shifts and China’s increasingly recognized regional role as a cooperative leader.Show less

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Bridging Relations along the Trans-Boundary Mekong River: China's Hydropower Diplomacy in Cambodia