Beijing: Much water has flowed since China announced in December 2024 that it would build the world’s largest dam on the Brahmaputra River, or Yarlung Tsangpo, in Tibet. The USD 137 billion Medog Hydropower Station, with plans to generate 60,000 megawatts of energy annually, has captured global attention for its energy potential and perceived ecological impacts.

According to Global Voices, Bangladeshi officials are concerned the dam could reduce dry season flow and have requested China conduct comprehensive environmental, feasibility, climate, and disaster impact assessments of the project. The demand comes amidst a global anti-dam movement due to environmental and social costs, with mega projects proliferating in the disaster-prone Himalayan landscape.

Chinese state media claims the Medog Hydropower Station is a safe, ecologically sensitive project that aligns with China’s carbon neutrality targets. They assert the dam will not negatively affect downstream regions and express willingness to maintain communication and cooperation with neighboring countries on disaster prevention.

The Brahmaputra River, originating in Tibet, spans China, Bhutan, India, and Bangladesh, presenting significant geopolitical implications. China promotes the dam as part of its green energy transition, aiming to reduce coal reliance and meet climate goals by 2030. Journalist Kunda Dixit notes the potential environmental benefits but questions the broader impact on the riverine ecosystem and long-term energy consumption.

China employs a coordinated narrative to shape public opinion, emphasizing the dam’s hydropower potential and framing it as a component of national strategy, including the West-to-East Power Transmission initiative. The project is portrayed as crucial for flood control, drought mitigation, and economic growth in Tibet, while countering Indian objections as geopolitical rather than environmental.

India perceives the dam as a strategic threat, fearing China’s control over water flow could undermine regional stability. Experts suggest India’s primary concern is not water availability but security. Beijing views India’s opposition as part of a geopolitical strategy rather than genuine environmental concern, with the Chinese Foreign Ministry emphasizing the project’s scientific assessment and potential benefits for downstream disaster mitigation.