Water as a Source of Conflict and Instability in China

Kathleen A. Cannon

Kathleen A. Cannon is the China Political-Military Team Chief at the Defense Intelligence Agency at Washington DC. read more

China’s focus on high economic growth over the last decade and ‘economy first’ principle have put serious strain on its water resources. China has only 7 per cent of the world’s total water resources but more than 20 per cent of the global population. It increasingly faces acute challenges regarding water distribution, supply, and quality, and there are clear signs that unless the state takes urgent corrective measures serious water-related conflicts and political instability may occur. For
now it appears China’s water problems will get worse before conditions change to the point that would allow them to get better.