Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning

China is ready to strengthen cooperation in water resources and ecological conservation with Mekong countries including Thailand, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Thursday. "We support Thailand and Myanmar in stepping up communication and coordination, conducting investigations in an objective, science-based and responsible approach, and resolving the issue through friendly consultation," Mao said.

Mao made the remarks when asked to comment on that some Thai citizens gathered at the Chinese Embassy and consulates in Thailand to protest heavy metal pollution in a tributary of the Mekong River. 

A statement released by the Chinese Embassy in Thailand also said that China will accelerate joint investigations with Thailand and Myanmar on this issue. A spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Thailand said on Wednesday that China has always attached great importance to the heavy metal pollution in Mekong tributaries in Thailand and understands local residents' concerns about the ecological environment and public health. 

As the rivers concerned are transboundary water bodies between Thailand and Myanmar, the issue needs to be investigated objectively, scientifically and responsibly to find out which parties are responsible. China supports Thailand and Myanmar to strengthen communication and coordination, launch a joint investigation as soon as possible and properly address the problem, the embassy spokesperson noted.

Protecting the ecological environment of the Mekong River basin is in the common interests of all riparian countries and their shared responsibility. China is willing to work with all riparian countries to boost cooperation on water resource management and ecological and environmental protection, so as to jointly safeguard the ecological security of the river basin, the embassy spokesperson said.

Global Times