China has embarked on an ambitious new phase of its infrastructure development with the commencement of the Motuo hydropower project. This mega dam, comprising five cascade hydropower stations, is set to become the world’s largest source of hydroelectric power, surpassing the Three Gorges Dam by a factor of four. Chinese Premier Li Qiang has hailed it as the ‘project of the century,’ underscoring its significance in reflecting China’s geopolitical ambitions and technological prowess. However, the project’s location on the Yarlung Zangbo River, which feeds into the Brahmaputra River flowing through India and Bangladesh, has sparked regional tensions. Both nations have expressed concerns over potential disruptions to their water supplies, particularly given the already strained Sino-Indian relations over the disputed region of Arunachal Pradesh, which China refers to as Zangnan. The dam’s strategic location grants Beijing significant leverage over downstream water flows, a tactic previously demonstrated in the Mekong River Delta. Beyond its geopolitical implications, the Motuo project symbolizes China’s historical quest to control its rivers, a theme deeply rooted in its civilization. It also aligns with China’s push for energy self-sufficiency, with the dam expected to generate 300 billion kilowatt-hours annually—equivalent to the UK’s total electricity production. While the project promises economic and environmental benefits for China, it also raises concerns about its broader impact on regional water security and geopolitical dynamics in South Asia.