China has called for a joint investigation by Thailand and Myanmar into the heavy metal contamination of Mekong River tributaries, based on facts and scientific evidence, to identify those truly responsible.
A spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Bangkok said in a post on the embassy's Facebook page that China supports both countries in strengthening communication and coordination and expediting a joint investigation so that the issue can be addressed as soon as possible.
Responding to recent protests outside the Chinese Embassy in Bangkok and the Chinese Consulate-General in Chiang Mai over the pollution, the spokesperson said China has been closely monitoring the issue and understands the environmental and health concerns of people living along the river basin.
"The rivers concerned are transboundary waterways shared by Thailand and Myanmar. The issue needs to be investigated on the basis of facts, science and responsibility so that those responsible can be clearly identified," the spokesperson said.
Protecting the Mekong River ecosystem is of shared interest and a common responsibility of all countries in the basin, the spokesperson said, adding that China is ready to strengthen cooperation with Mekong countries on water resource management and environmental conservation to safeguard the ecological security of the basin.
The statement came after environmental and human rights groups accused Chinese-backed rare earth and gold mining operations in Myanmar's Shan State of causing cross-border pollution, affecting the Kok, Sai, Ruak and Mekong rivers in northern Thailand.
The protesters called on both the Thai and Chinese governments to take responsibility for addressing the alleged environmental damage and ensuring greater accountability by overseas investors.
