Thailand-China cooperation on water resources is deepening under the LMC framework

As the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation mechanism marks its 10th anniversary in 2026, the region is celebrating a remarkable milestone in international partnership. Officially established in 2016, the LMC has grown into an important engine for regional growth. China and the five Mekong countries have been working together to usher the framework into the next golden decade by staying committed to building a better community through solidarity.

At the very heart of this successful architecture lies a shared commitment to the management of shared water resources and sustainable development. Rather than viewing the river as a dividing line, Thailand, China, and their neighbors have transformed the Lancang-Mekong River into a profound symbol of interconnected prosperity, paving the way for a resilient Association of Southeast Asian Nations-China community.

The LMC is historic in its structural design: It provides the first water cooperation framework that fully integrates all six countries along the river, encompassing both upstream and downstream nations. This inclusive approach has fostered an environment where transparent communication, mutual trust and practical problem-solving take center stage.

For Thailand and China, water resources cooperation has evolved from high-level dialogue into highly effective, on-the-ground action. Over the past decade, the framework has facilitated the sharing of vital hydrological information and improved basin-wide governance. Through initiatives such as the Lancang-Mekong Water Resources Cooperation Information Sharing Platform and the dedicated Lancang-Mekong Water Resources Cooperation Center located in Yunnan province, China has actively shared daily hydrological data from its hydropower plants with downstream neighbors.

This data transparency is a game-changer for local communities. It allows Thailand and other downstream states to better forecast river behavior, optimize agricultural water use and protect vulnerable ecosystems. Furthermore, the cooperative management of upstream reservoirs has served as a critical regional public good; by regulating floods during the rainy season and replenishing water levels during droughts, these cooperative measures have shielded millions of livelihoods from extreme weather shocks. Notably, targeted water releases from China's Jinghong Dam in Yunnan province during critical drought periods have provided essential relief to downstream agriculture, demonstrating a tangible commitment to mutual support.

Looking ahead, this collaboration can be strengthened. The Initiative on Deepening Lancang-Mekong Water Resources Cooperation can be fully implemented to further upgrade joint capabilities. By investing in cutting-edge platforms such as the Lancang-Mekong River Basin Comprehensive Meteorological Service Platform, Thailand, China and other neighbors can ensure that the region is structurally prepared to adapt to climate change and mitigate natural disasters.

The ultimate measure of the LMC's success is its impact on the everyday lives of the people who call the Lancang-Mekong River Basin home. Through the LMC Special Fund, China has consistently provided financial support and capacity building for irrigation, water navigation and drought prevention. Across the region, more than 1,000 "small and beautiful" livelihood projects have been successfully carried out, directly improving local people's living standards.

For agricultural communities in Thailand, these initiatives translate to enhanced food security and poverty reduction. China has actively supported rural and agricultural revitalization across the Lancang-Mekong countries, advancing digital cooperation throughout the industry chain. Pilot programs for smart farms and the establishment of traceability systems for fruit products are actively enhancing the competitiveness of Thai agricultural exports while building greater resilience in local production systems.

The LMC operates as one of the most dynamic and effective platforms for regional cooperation, playing a pivotal role in narrowing regional development gaps and boosting socioeconomic development. The resulting economic synergy is undeniable, with trade between China and the Mekong nations surging past the $500 billion mark, a 150 percent increase from a decade ago.

While the region celebrates this progress, it must also navigate a global landscape characterized by complex geopolitical shifts, economic instability and climate change. Instead of succumbing to division, Thailand, China and the broader ASEAN community can utilize the LMC framework to reinforce their strategic coordination and mutual trust.

During the ninth LMC Foreign Ministers' Meeting, which was held in Chiang Mai, Thailand, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi underscored that "the LMC countries should adhere to true multilateralism and open regionalism, resolutely resist zero-sum games and decoupling and severing industrial and supply chains, and work together to build a Lancang-Mekong home that shares weal and woe in solidarity". By focusing on shared development rather than geopolitical competition, the LMC serves as a stabilizing force, offering a unique Lancang-Mekong model for multilateral governance.

To future-proof their economies against external uncertainties, the member states are rapidly expanding their cooperation beyond traditional infrastructure. The next phase of the LMC can focus on innovation-driven growth, including artificial intelligence capacity building, space cooperation and the digital economy. Recognizing the global imperative for sustainability, there is also a concerted push to invest in new energy, develop green industrial clusters and build regional green value chains.

Thailand’s active role will be instrumental in guiding this collaborative agenda. Thailand is positioned to advocate strengthened, unified responses to shared challenges. By harmonizing the LMC's objectives with broader ASEAN community-building efforts, Thailand and China can work together to ensure that the region remains a resilient, self-determined bloc capable of weathering global storms.

The story of the LMC over the past decade is one of remarkable optimism and enduring partnership. Through dedicated water resources cooperation, Thailand and China have demonstrated that shared natural resources can serve as a bridge to mutual prosperity.

As the region steps into its second decade of cooperation, the foundations rooted in transparent water management, innovative agricultural support and unwavering geopolitical solidarity can continue to support a thriving, peaceful and highly integrated community. The "golden decade" is not merely a diplomatic slogan; it is a living reality for millions of people whose futures are brightly interconnected by the waters of the Lancang-Mekong region.

The author is the director of the Institute of East Asian Studies at Thammasat University, Thailand.

The author contributed this article to China Watch, a think tank powered by China Daily. The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

Contact the editor at editor@chinawatch.cn.