A?Chinese official has assured scientists and experts that there is no link between declining water levels in the Mekong River and upstream hydropower stations in China.

Chen Mingzhong, deputy director-general of Department of International Cooperation, Science and Technology with the Water Resources Ministry of China was addressing the Mekong River Commission International Conference in Hua Hin, Thailand yesterday.

"The current extreme dry weather in the lower Mekong River basin is the root cause for the reducedrun-off water and decliningwater levels," Chen said.

He made the remarks on the first day of the conference which will last for two days in the seaside resort town before the MRC Summit kicks off tomorrow.

"The hydropower stations built on the Lancang River will not increase the chance of flood and drought disasters downstream, instead, they will considerably enhance the capacity of flood control, drought relief, irrigation and water supply for the downstream countries," he said.

Chen also briefed the audience on the severe drought that has been ravaging southwest China, with Yunnan Province being the hardest hit.

So far the farmland affected in the five provinces in southwest China had amounted up to 6,477,333 hectares, Chen said, adding that the drought in China had caused a severe drinking water shortage.

Scholars, experts, officials and representatives of NGOs from all over the world have gathered in Hua Hin for the pre-MRC Summit meeting to discuss issues on water- resource management.

The summit also brings together the state leaders of Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam.

Song Tao, China's deputy foreign minister, will attend as a representative of the Chinese government.