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South China Morning Post

China backs probe into Mekong pollution after reports point finger at mining operations

China's embassy in Thailand said it was 'closely monitoring' the situation after claims that heavy metal pollution in northern Thai rivers was linked to suspected Chinese mining activities in neighbouring Myanmar. A post on the embassy's official social media account acknowledged recent comments by the Thai government on the matter. 'China is closely monitoring reports about the heavy metal pollution incident in a tributary of the Mekong River in Thailand. We have taken note of the recent test reports released by the Thai government and relevant local authorities,' the statement said. The embassy said Thailand and Myanmar should work together to discuss the issue and set up scientific investigations into the problem. It added that China was 'willing to work closely' with all Mekong basin countries to protect its ecology and water quality. It did not mention any company by name but said 'China has always required Chinese companies overseas to abide by the laws of the host countries and operate legally in compliance with regulations'. Last week, Thailand's Pollution Control Department said sediment samples taken from rivers in the north of the country had found unsafe levels of heavy metals, which it said had been caused by upstream mining operations. Some of the highest levels of contamination were detected in the Sai and Kok rivers. Lead levels in the latter peaked near the Thai-Myanmar border in the Mae Ai district of Chiang Mai province.