Myitsone Dam Project restart discussed during coup leader’s China visit

Burma News International (BNI) is a network of 15 independent media and news organizations based in and around Burma During his recent visit to China, coup leader Min Aung Hlaing discussed restarting the Myitsone Dam Project, according to confirmation from the regime at a press briefing. At a press conference on June 30, junta spokesperson Dr. Khaing Khaing Soe disclosed the matter, stating that the issue was raised during the trip. She said Min Aung Hlaing told Chinese officials that, “if the Myitsone project had been implemented earlier, Myanmar would probably be enjoying bright and stable electricity across the entire country by now.” According to the spokesperson, the full Myitsone hydropower scheme consists of seven construction sites. She added that the Upstream Ayeyarwady River Basin Hydropower Project alone could generate about 5,600 megawatts of electricity. She further noted that Myanmar’s nationwide electricity demand exceeds 10,000 megawatts, adding that combining all six remaining components of the Myitsone project with the upstream project could enable full national electrification. Dr. Khaing Khaing Soe also acknowledged that the project could have some negative impacts, but said the benefits would be significantly greater. She added that the junta would work in coordination with experts to minimize the downsides as much as possible. While the military regime continues to claim the project would bring major benefits, experts have consistently warned over the years that it should not proceed. In recent months, the junta has also stepped up public mobilization efforts in Myitkyina, the state capital, and other towns in Kachin State, in an apparent attempt to build public support for restarting the project. Despite being a major Chinese-invested infrastructure project, the military authorities have still not made public how profits and investment returns would be shared if the Myitsone Dam is implemented. The Myitsone Dam Project is a highly controversial, large-scale hydropower scheme planned in Kachin State at Myitsone—the confluence of the Mali Kha and N’Mai Kha rivers, which form the Ayeyarwady River.