China Assures Bangladesh on Hydropower Project

Strategic Insights -

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen has assured that the country's proposed hydropower project on the Yarlung Zangbo river will not affect water flow to downstream countries, including Bangladesh. The project, aimed at generating electricity and reducing carbon footprint, will not divert river water and will solely focus on energy production. The assurance came during a meeting between the Chinese envoy and Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, amidst concerns raised by lower riparian countries about the potential impact on water flow. Both sides emphasized the need to enhance cooperation and people-to-people exchanges, particularly during the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and China.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Chinese hydropower project on the Yarlung Zangbo river will not divert river water and will solely focus on electricity generation, according to Ambassador Yao Wen.
  • The project is aimed at clean energy generation and regional carbon reduction, and will not affect downstream countries, including Bangladesh.
  • The Chinese envoy briefed the Adviser on the follow-up actions of the recent visit of Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus to China, which included discussions on expanding collaboration in trade, infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, fisheries, green energy, disaster management, and tourism.
  • Both countries emphasized the need to enhance cooperation and people-to-people exchanges, particularly in view of the ongoing celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and China.
  • The assurance given by Ambassador Yao Wen came amidst concerns raised by lower riparian countries about the potential impact on water flow.
  • The Chinese ambassador referred to the recent meetings between the Chinese Foreign Minister and Bangladesh's Foreign Affairs Adviser in Kuala Lumpur, where both sides discussed avenues to bolster bilateral ties.

Statistics:

  • None mentioned in the text.

Sources:

  • The official news Agency of Bangladesh (BSS)