The Salween River (also spelled Salwin) rises in Tibet, after which it flows through Yunnan, where it is known as the Nu (). It then leaves China and meanders through Myanmar (Burma) and Thailand on its way to emptying in the Andaman Sea by Moulmein. For most of its route the river is of little commercial value, and it passes through deep gorges. However, once entering Burma it spreads into a wide delta that irrigates Burma's agricultural heartland.

On April 1, 2004, the Chinese premier halted the construction of 13 dams on the Salween in Yunnan.

See also: Geography of China

References

• Phoel, Cynthia M., "Bargaining Power", in Oxfam Exchange, Fall 2004.
• Phoel, Cynthia M., Defending Rivers and Earthrights in Burma on the site of Oxfam America