China Calls for Neutral Review of Cross-Border River Issues
China's ambassador to Thailand called for impartial scientific review of cross-border river issues with Myanmar, rejecting what Beijing characterized as baseless accusations about environmental and public health concerns in shared waterways
On July 15, the Chinese Embassy in Bangkok released a statement about an earlier meeting between Chinese Ambassador Zhang Jianwei and Thai Democrats party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanya. Ambassador Zhang outlined the intent of Chinese Communist Party leader Xi Jinping's speech marking the party's 105th anniversary and expressed China's willingness to strengthen exchanges and learning with all Thai political parties to promote development of both nations.
The ambassador said China understands concerns about environmental systems and public health in the river basin. He stated that issues affecting cross-border waterways between Thailand and Myanmar require impartial, scientific, and responsible investigation. China is willing to deepen cooperation on water resource and ecosystem management with other basin nations and supports Thailand and Myanmar in conducting joint assessments to address the issue properly.
However, the statement objected to what China called baseless accusations and smears made by certain individuals before facts are clarified and responsibility determined. It urged the Thai Democrats to maintain an impartial and rational stance. Party leader Natthaphong congratulated the Chinese Communist Party on its 105th anniversary and expressed willingness to learn from the party's experience while promoting understanding and trust between the two countries.
