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Massive New Hydropower Dam in Xizang Won’t Harm Downstream Nations, China Says

Published: Jul. 24, 2025 4:13 p.m. GMT+8

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The construction of the hydropower project in the lower reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo River has started. Photo: Screenshot from China Central Television

China on Tuesday defended the construction of a massive hydropower project on the lower reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo River, responding to concerns from neighboring India and Bangladesh that the dam could threaten their water supply and ecosystems.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said at a regular press briefing Wednesday that the Lower Yarlung Hydropower Project would aid in disaster prevention for the entire river basin and would not adversely affect downstream regions.

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China defended its massive Lower Yarlung Hydropower Project, with a planned capacity of 60 million kilowatts and a $167 billion investment, addressing India and Bangladesh’s concerns about water and ecology.
Chinese officials emphasized cooperation with downstream countries, environmental safeguards, and that the dam regulates rather than consumes water.
Beijing asserts the project aligns with China’s sovereignty, aids disaster prevention, fosters clean energy, and will not harm downstream regions.

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Who’s Who

China Yajiang Group Co., Ltd.: China Yajiang Group Co., Ltd. is a newly formed state-owned enterprise. It is spearheading the Lower Yarlung Hydropower Project, one of the largest infrastructure investments globally. The project is estimated to cost 1.2 trillion yuan ($167 billion) and will include five cascading power stations with a total installed capacity of around 60 million kilowatts.

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What Happened When

Jan. 23, 2025：: Wang Lei, chargé d'affaires at the Chinese Embassy in India, wrote in an op-ed in The Indian Express, addressing concerns about the hydropower project and describing its safeguards and benefits.

Jul. 19, 2025：: Official launch of the Lower Yarlung Hydropower Project, spearheaded by China Yajiang Group Co., Ltd.

Jul. 22, 2025：: China publicly defended the hydropower project in response to Indian and Bangladeshi concerns.

Jul. 23, 2025：: Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun addressed the project at a regular press briefing, discussing disaster prevention, cooperation, and communication with downstream countries.

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