Japan in the Mekong’s Dynamic Geopolitics

Dr. Cheunboran Chanborey argues that the Mekong subregion has become a new growth centre and, at the same time, a strategic frontier of great powers’ rivalry, illustrated by external powers’ increasing dynamic engagements. In this context, he highlights the aspiration of the Mekong countries to live in peace and political stability and stay aloof from the great powers’ rivalry.

Dr. Chanborey appreciates the Mekong-Japan Cooperation (MJC) for having helped the subregion achieve the fastest-growing economies contributing to sustainable economic growth and regional connectivity. He postulates that the success of MJC lies in its focus on practical cooperation, project-based approach, promotion of synergy and complementarity with national development plans, other regional and sub-regional initiatives, and the real needs as well as local ownership of communities in the region.