Photo taken on April 5, 2016, shows the source of the Mekong Delta which has recovered to the normal water level in Dong Thap province, Vietnam. (Photo/Xinhua)
China has decided to continue discharging water from a hydropower station into the downstream reaches of the Mekong River for drought relief.
Cambodian Prime Minister, Hun Sen, said on Monday that his country faced a severe drought, and hoped that China would continue to supply water to downstream reaches of the Mekong.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Lu Kang echoed his words during a news conference on Tuesday.
"Considering the drought situation in downstream countries, China decided to continue discharging water starting from April 11 and last until the end of low water period. The water volume discharged will be adjusted in accordance with the situation in upstream areas and the actual demand of downstream countries."
Since the end of 2015, due to the El Nino effect, countries along the Lancang-Mekong River have suffered drought conditions to varying degrees, and their people's lives and work have been affected.
At the request of downstream countries, China discharged water from the Jinghong Hydropower Station in Yunnan Province from March 15 to April 10.
The water discharged by China had been stored by the power station during the high water period and flood period.
Lu Kang says China is willing to cooperate with Lancang-Mekong River countries in coping with extreme climate conditions and in protecting water resources.
The Mekong River originates in China and runs through Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. It is known as Lancang River in China.