China has begun construction on the world's largest hydropower dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo River in Tibet, a project dubbed the "project of the century." The dam, part of China's renewable energy expansion, will consist of five hydropower stations generating 300 million megawatt hours annually. However, India and Bangladesh, downstream recipients of the river's water, have expressed concerns about potential water diversion and its impact on millions. Tibetan groups and environmentalists also raise concerns about sacred sites, displacement, and ecological damage. China maintains it will not weaponize the water and will cooperate with downstream nations.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.