China plans to control the Brahmaputra, prepares to build world’s largest dam in Tibet

After the String of Pearls, China has started working on another strategy. After clashes on the border, China has become well aware of the Indian Army’s prowess and strength and knows that it cannot beat India in a military battle. So it’s trying to move heaven and earth to stop India’s economic growth in collaboration with Pakistan. Now China wants to leverage its hegemonic power through a water policy. To control the Brahmaputra River, China has started building the world’s largest dam on the Brahmaputra River (which it calls Yarlung Tsangpo) in the Medog region of Tibet.

New Delhi: China has started building the world's largest dam on the Brahmaputra River (which it calls Yarlung Tsangpo) in the Medog region of Tibet.

This project is one of China's largest and most ambitious hydropower projects to date, which will be completed by 2030. China claims that this project will be a big step towards meeting its energy needs and becoming 'carbon neutral' by 2060'.

It says that this will reduce dependence on fossil fuels and promote green energy. But in reality it is not just an energy project. Experts believe that through this project, China will not only generate electricity, but it is also trying to control the upper flow of the Brahmaputra River.

Machination of China

This is also a very sensitive issue from a strategic point of view, because this river is like a lifeline for India's northeastern states—especially Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Mizoram. These states rely heavily on the Brahmaputra River for essential needs such as agriculture, irrigation, and drinking water.

If China starts controlling the flow of this river, it can use it as a "water weapon" against India. Meaning, if it suddenly releases water, there can be a severe flood in Northeast India.

And if it stops the water, a drought-like situation can arise. Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has even called it a 'walking water bomb.'

Apart from this, the area in which this dam is being built is an earthquake-prone area. In such a situation, if a natural disaster occurs, this dam itself can be in danger and can cause huge devastation. Also, the biodiversity of this area can also suffer a lot.

Menace for India

India has taken this threat seriously and has also held talks with China in January 2025. Apart from this, India has planned the 'Siang Multipurpose Project' in the Siang district of Arunachal.

This will be a buffer dam, which can store 9 billion cubic meters of water and will also generate 11,000 megawatts of electricity. Its purpose is to reduce the impact of sudden changes in the flow of water by China.

However, this Indian project is not getting momentum due to local opposition and administrative hurdles. But it is important that India works fast on this, because China's water policy is now directly linked to national security and the future of Northeast India.

India will have to prepare such a strategic, environmental, and diplomatic response so that it can counter any move of China in an effective and peaceful manner.