Mechanisms of China–Laos Cross-Border Water Resources Cooperation: A Security Community Perspective

Abstract

This study examines China–Laos water resources cooperation through the lens of security community theory developed by Emanuel Adler and Michael Barnett, focusing on the formation of cooperation, sustained interaction, and the deepening of bilateral relations. The findings show that China–Laos water resources cooperation has developed into a relatively stable form of functional cooperation, accompanied by social learning and closer bilateral ties through sustained interaction. However, the available evidence remains insufficient to demonstrate that stable mutual trust and a shared identity have been established. China–Laos water relations should therefore be understood as an ongoing process of development.