China has invited countries from the lower Mekong subregion to visit its Jinghong dam in a bid to counter claims that its poor water management is causing drought in downstream countries.
Kasemsun Chinnavaso, director-general of the Water Resources Department, said China had invited representatives from Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam and Thailand early this year to visit the Jinghong dam, one of four dams it operates along the Mekong River, but the trip was postponed due to cold weather.
The new visit is expected to take place this month.
"This is a very significant step for closer bilateral cooperation between China and members of the lower Mekong subregion for effective river management to deal with recent unusual drought and floods," Mr Kasemsun said.
The downstream countries blame China's dams for unusual flooding along the Mekong two years ago and for this year's severe drought.
