Transboundary Water Pollution in the Context of China: A Role for the UNECE Industrial Accidents Convention in Asia?

Using China as a key example, this contribution examines whether there is adequate legal provision in Asia for preventing and managing industrial accidents with transboundary effects, particularly those involving transboundary water pollution. If the existing regime of (mostly bilateral) measures among Asian countries is inadequate, the question is then asked as to whether the international framework developed by the United Nationas Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) for the transboundary effects of industrial accidents could offer an appropriate and feasible solution. To explore these questions in more detail, existing provisions for industrial accidents and transboundary water pollution are reviewed, with particular reference to China's arrangements with some of its neighbours. Salient features of the UNECE Convention on the Transboundary Effects of Industrial Accidents, and the potential benefits offered by membership in the Asian context, are identified. Finally, there is a discussion as to whether the Convention could be adopted by Asian countries, and the prospects for taking action on the issue of transboundary water pollution in the region.