关键词: 地缘安全, 国际河流, 水资源开发利用, 水外交, 水治理

Abstract:

The resurgence of global geopolitical competition and the environmental crisis are driving the exploitation of international river water resources as a key variable affecting national geopolitical security. Based on review of existing literature, conclusions are as follows: firstly, the exploitation of water resources in international rivers will fuel conflicts between basin countries in a 'scarcity-conflict' paradigm, and the resulting conflicts over water resources are further contributing to geo-security by uniting extraterritorial forces. Secondly, the exploitation of water resources in China's international rivers has evolved from "weak security", "strong security" to "de-securitization" in the context of geo-security. Thirdly, water environment management, water allocation and coordination of water development interests are core issues in water resources development, involving transboundary water pollution, water allocation and hydropower development, all of which are closely related to national geo-security. Fourthly, the geographical differentiation in the way water resources are exploited in the three major international river-dense regions of northeast, northwest and southwest China is obvious, and the differentiated geo-environment brings multiple geo-security threats.Finally, suggestions are offered for China's future diplomacy based on the context of "One Belt, One Road" and "Community of Human Destiny".

Key words: geo-security, international river, water resources, water diplomacy, water governance