River Wars? China’s Brahmaputra Dam Stirs Regional Tensions
China is going to build a monstrous dam on the Brahmaputra River, on the Indian border. This river, known by the name of Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet, is Asia's longest and most powerful river. It starts from Tibet, then goes through India (known as the Brahmaputra there) and finally through Bangladesh. What China does here at the source has the potential to affect millions below. Why Is China Building This Dam? China says the dam is for clean energy mostly. It intends to harness the strong river current to produce hydroelectric power. That involves turning high-speed water into electricity, which is more environmentally friendly than burning coal or gas. But it's not about energy. It's about control as well. By building this dam so close to the border, China will have the power to control how much water can flow into India and Bangladesh. That's when things start getting scary. What Could Happen to India? India is specially worried since the dam is being built near Arunac...