On December 27, 2024, China defended its ambitious plan to construct the world’s largest hydropower dam on the Brahmaputra River in Tibet, emphasizing that the project will not adversely affect downstream countries. The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, responded to concerns raised by India and Bangladesh, stressing that the hydropower project, located in the ecologically sensitive Himalayan region, has undergone decades of detailed studies to address potential risks.
The proposed dam, situated in the Yarlung Zangbo River’s lower reaches, is expected to be the world’s most extensive infrastructure project, with an estimated cost of ₹137 billion. The dam’s location near the tectonically active Himalayan plate boundary, where frequent earthquakes occur, has raised environmental and safety concerns, especially regarding the downstream flow of the Brahmaputra River.
Mao Ning reassured the international community that China had conducted in-depth studies over several decades to assess the project’s environmental and seismic risks. She emphasized that safeguard measures had been implemented to ensure the project’s security and the protection of the surrounding ecosystem. Mao also emphasized that the dam would not negatively impact the water flow to the lower riparian states, India and Bangladesh.
In her remarks, Mao emphasized China’s commitment to responsible development of cross-border rivers, citing the nation’s efforts to maintain communication and cooperation with neighboring countries. She reaffirmed China’s intention to collaborate with India and Bangladesh through existing channels to enhance disaster prevention and relief measures in the region.
The dam’s construction is part of China’s broader strategy to harness hydropower for clean energy production, which the government cites as essential for addressing climate change and mitigating extreme hydrological disasters. Mao assured that the development would contribute to China’s clean energy goals without harming the downstream communities.
The announcement, which came after China’s formal approval of the project on December 25, 2024, has heightened concerns in India and Bangladesh, which rely on the Brahmaputra for water resources. The dam, set to be built near a massive gorge in the Himalayas, marks a critical juncture where the Brahmaputra turns towards Arunachal Pradesh, India, before flowing into Bangladesh.
As the world watches, the project’s long-term impact on the region’s environment, economy, and geopolitics remains a point of international scrutiny.
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