• Source:JND
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China has firmly defended the construction of a massive new hydropower project near its disputed border with Arunachal Pradesh, stating that it is “fully within its sovereignty” and will have no adverse effects on downstream countries like India and Bangladesh. The project, situated in the lower reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo River,  known as the Brahmaputra once it enters India, has triggered regional concerns over water security and ecological balance.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakung on Wednesday emphasised that the project is part of China's efforts to develop clean energy, uplift the lives of people in the region, and respond proactively to climate change. “To build the hydropower project in the lower reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo River is fully within China’s sovereignty," Guo said, asserting that the country acts with a “high sense of responsibility” in managing transboundary water resources.

Eco-Conscious Design And Strategic Location

Guo highlighted that the project's planning, design, and construction are aligned with China's highest national industrial standards. “It puts a lot of emphasis on ecological conservation, avoids multiple environmentally sensitive areas, and vows to preserve the original ecosystem to the largest extent possible,” he said.

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The project is to be located near the "Great Bend" of the Yarlung Tsangpo, where the river descends by nearly 2,000 meters over just 50 kilometers, a geographical feature ideal for generating hydropower. Chinese Premier Li Qiang officially announced the start of the project last Saturday, calling it one of the largest infrastructure ventures globally. With five cascade hydropower stations planned, the entire undertaking is projected to cost around 1.2 trillion yuan (approximately USD 167.8 billion).

While China maintains that the project will prevent and mitigate disasters along the Yarlung Zangbo and enhance clean energy output, India and Bangladesh, both downstream riparian nations, have expressed unease. The dam's proposed location is where the river makes a sharp U-turn before entering Arunachal Pradesh, raising fears about potential disruptions to the Brahmaputra’s natural flow, which could affect agriculture, fisheries, and water availability downstream.

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Guo, however, reassured that China is engaging with downstream nations. “We are cooperating on sharing hydrological data, flood prevention, and disaster reduction,” he said, noting that communication on the project has taken place and will continue to ensure regional benefits.