Article: https://www.voanews.com/south-central-asia/planned-chinese-dam-along-south-asian-river-triggers-concerns-india-bangladesh
Analysis:
China has announced plans to build a superdam on the Yarlung Zangbo River that runs through both India and Bangladesh. This had led to concerns among these countries that utilize the river.
Bangladesh is reliant on the supply of freshwater to their communities. In addition, Bangladesh fears any disturbance to the flow of the river. Currently, the river sustains livelihoods and fuels agriculture, making it a valuable resource. Malik Fida Khan, executive director of the Center for Environmental and Geographic Information Services in Dhaka, has raised concerns that the dam will likely trap sediment and much needed nutrients as well.
India is fearful of the possibility of flash flooding and water scarcity. China and India also have an ongoing border dispute that makes the dam increasingly concerning.
Geopolitically, India and China are trying to gain strategic advantage over the disputed borders in the Himalayan Mountains. After the 1947 Indian War with Pakistan, the border was loosely defined. Although the area is inhospitable, both China and Pakistan began ramping up infrastructure along the border. This infrastructure and India’s expansion threatened the Chinese geostrategic goals in Central Asia as the region connects China to Pakistan. The dam is concerning to India because China may be gaining strategic leverage in this region. This is likely the true intention of the dam, even though China is claiming it is to help with clean energy in Beijing.
The results of the implementation of this dam could have significant effects on the region and on relationships between India, Bangladesh, and China. The gained strategic advantage in the border dispute will serve to heighten conflict between two nuclear-backed countries. Bangladesh will suffer economically, which may hinder other trade relationships that are expected to import their goods. India has already spoken out against the dam, so if the project continues their government will have to respond. This will be a conflict between these countries going forward.