China has blocked a tributary of the Brahmaputra river in Tibet. According to Chinese state run Xinhua news agency, China is constructing a hydro project on Xiabuqu river, a tributary of Brahmaputra in Xigaze in Tibet, closely located to Sikkim and the blockade of the river may impact water flows into the lower riparian countries like India and Bangladesh.
From Xigaze, the Brahmaputra flows into Arunachal Pradesh. Last year, China had operationalised Zam Hydropower Station, the largest in Tibet, built on the Brahmaputra river, which has raised concerns in India.
The blockade of the Brahmaputra river tributary comes at a time when India’s reported decision to suspend talks with Pakistan under Indus Water Treaty as part of its efforts to hit back at Pakistan in the aftermath of the Uri attack.