A rising hydro-hegemon by B. Chellaney...the need for transboundary cooperation on water

I have a feeling this water issue is going to have a serious effect on political stability in Asia in the next few decades...definitely something to keep an eye on.

http://search.japantimes.co.jp/mail/eo20110921bc.html

"Water indeed has emerged as a source of increasing intercountry competition and discord in Asia, the most-populous and fastest-developing continent whose per capita freshwater availability is less than half the global average.

The growing water stress threatens Asia's continued rapid economic growth. And for investors, it carries risks that potentially are as damaging as nonperforming loans, real estate bubbles, infrastructure overbuilding, and political corruption.

Because of China's centrality in the Asian water map, international pressure must be exerted on Beijing to respect the rights of subjacent states and halt further unilateralist appropriation of shared waters."

The map below is from:
http://www.asianoffbeat.com/CrazyPictures/China-Dam-Interactive-Map.jpg