China's Global Role

China is the country with the highest numbers of dams in the world, and in recent years, Chinese institutions have taken a lead in building dams not just domestically but also abroad. Chinese banks and companies are involved in constructing dozens of large dams outside of China, particularly in Africa and Southeast Asia, including Kamchay Dam (Cambodia), Mphanda Nkuwa Dam (Mozambique), Merowe Dam (Sudan), and Tasang Dam (Burma).

Many of the dams China has become involved in have harmed local communities and the natural resources they depend on. Chinese financers have frequently funded projects that had been turned down by traditional dam financiers such as the World Bank. Chinese lending institutions have yet to adopt strong environmental and social standards in order to appropriately deal with the impacts of their projects.

International Rivers works with its partners to communicate the experiences of the international movement for "people, water, and life" to new dam financiers and builders in China. We focus in particular on the China Export-Import Bank, the country's official export credit agency, who is the most important source of funds for Chinese dam projects overseas.

In addition, International Rivers' China Global Campaign provides information about China's role in global dam building, supports groups in countries affected by Chinese dams, and fosters a dialogue within China about the responsibilities of Chinese dam builders.

LATEST ADDITIONS:

China's Environmental Footprint in Africa

中国在非洲的环境足迹

China's Environmental Footprint in Africa

新的供资方与环境

New Financiers and the Environment: Ten Perspectives on How Financial Institutions Can Protect the Environment

CONTACT US:

Peter Bosshard
peter [at] internationalrivers [dot] org
+1 510 848 1155

Nicole Brewer
nicole [at] internationalrivers [dot] org
+1 510 848 1155