Beijing Claims South Tibet Hydropower Project Is Their Own

China has firmly asserted that the decision to build what is considered the world’s largest hydropower project in South Tibet is an internal matter. On July 23, the Chinese Foreign Ministry made this statement, according to international news agency reports.

Responding to concerns raised by India and Bangladesh, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Gao Jiajun clarified that the project will not harm any neighboring lower-lying countries. Last week, China began construction of the massive hydropower plant in a remote area of southwestern Tibet, in the Yarlung Zangbo River valley. This river is known as the Brahmaputra in India and flows into Bangladesh where it is called the Jamuna.

Gao emphasized that once completed, the project will play an important role in maintaining the river’s natural flow and aid in disaster management. China also reiterated its responsible approach to managing transboundary rivers, citing years of experience in planning, designing, and constructing hydropower facilities. The country has promised that this new project will adhere to high standards of quality and safety.