China is strategically investing in various river projects to enhance its “hydro-hegemony” in the region. One notable project is the Medog Hydropower Project in Tibet, which is estimated to cost around USD 170 billion and aims to be three times more powerful than the Three Gorges Dam. These initiatives are seen as a means for China to wield geopolitical influence through water resources.
The Medog project, located near the India-China border, involves diverting water through extensive tunnels, raising concerns about its environmental impact. Additionally, China’s involvement in the Teesta River management project in Bangladesh has regional implications. By engaging in such ventures, China seeks to extend its influence beyond its borders, potentially affecting neighboring countries’ water diplomacy.
China’s focus on large-scale water projects like the Three Gorges Dam and the Teesta River initiative reflects its strategy of leveraging water resources for broader geopolitical control. These endeavors not only aim to address domestic needs but also serve as tools for projecting power and influence on a regional scale.
