International relationsMekong's falling water level riles China's downstream neighbors
Jinghong Dam cuts flow bound for Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam
Jinghong Dam and hydropower station, seen here in 2013: China slashed the Mekong River's flow from this dam in January, leaving Southeast Asian communities downstream to cope with falling water levels during the dry season. © AP
MARWAAN MACAN-MARKAR, Asia regional correspondent
February 23, 2021 15:29 JST
BANGKOK -- China's water relations with Southeast Asian neighbors are under strain after Beijing held up the Mekong River's flow at one of its large dams upstream, precipitating a sudden drop in volume for downstream countries that share the region's longest body of water.