Lower Mekong region

The trade has been facilitated by a combination of loose state jurisdictions and proximity to China's economy.

The injection of cash will mostly focus on the lower Mekong countries, which have recently seen a growing Chinese influence.

The recently announced multilateral framework is a welcome – but limited – check on China's expanding influence in the Mekong region.

Whether through its own dams or the financing and construction of dams in other countries, China is largely in the driver’s seat when it comes to the Mekong.

A third mainstream dam raises the threat posed to the river's future.

A rather unusual business transaction shows how some Mekong countries are focusing on aquaculture with the river’s future in peril.

The future of the body hangs in the balance amid financial and performance concerns.