China's Foreign Ministry has reaffirmed that its Yarlung Zangbo River hydropower initiative will prioritize ecological protection while delivering clean energy benefits, addressing concerns about downstream impacts during a Wednesday press briefing.
Balancing Development and Sustainability
Spokesperson Guo Jiakun emphasized the project's dual role in disaster prevention and climate action, stating construction adheres to China's strictest industry standards. 'This initiative accelerates our renewable energy transition while preserving local ecosystems through carefully designed environmental safeguards,' Guo explained.
Transboundary Water Cooperation
The ministry highlighted ongoing collaboration with downstream nations through hydrological data sharing and flood management programs. Over 20 cross-border water cooperation agreements have been established since 2018, reflecting China's commitment to regional water security.
Economic and Environmental Synergy
Project planners have rerouted infrastructure to avoid 12 ecologically sensitive zones, preserving 94% of the original riverine habitat. Energy analysts predict the development could power 5 million homes annually while reducing coal consumption by 18 million metric tons.
As construction progresses, environmental monitoring systems will track water quality and biodiversity indicators in real-time, with findings shared through multilateral platforms. The initiative aligns with China's pledge to achieve carbon neutrality before 2060 while supporting sustainable development across the Himalayan watershed.
