Why the Mekong Matters to ASEAN: A Perspective from Vietnam

Abstract

This article explains the importance of the Mekong to ASEAN from three aspects: (i) ASEAN Community building; (ii) external relations with key partners; and (iii) ASEAN’s centrality in the evolving regional architecture. It argues that more attention to Mekong issues would serve ASEAN’s interests and help in achieving its 2025 ASEAN Community Vision in all the three pillars