Yarlung Zangbo Hydropower Project and Regional Diplomacy

This commentary discusses the Yarlung Zangbo Hydropower Project (YZRHP) in China, highlighting its significance in the context of China's clean energy diplomacy. The project, which began in July 2025, involves a substantial investment and aims to produce a significant amount of clean energy, potentially alleviating energy shortages in neighboring South and Southeast Asian countries. The YZRHP is positioned as a key component of China's strategy to enhance regional energy cooperation while addressing diplomatic and technological challenges. The commentary outlines the project's potential to create economic ties and deepen diplomatic relations through energy supply. It also addresses the environmental and governance concerns associated with cross-border water resources, emphasizing the need for trust and cooperation among China, India, and Bangladesh. The challenges of regional energy governance and the implications of geopolitical competition are also discussed, particularly in relation to China's ambitions in the energy sector and the potential for transnational power grid development.