China on Wednesday said the construction of what will become the world’s largest hydropower project in the southern Tibet region is “fully” within its “sovereignty.” Responding to concerns raised by India and Bangladesh, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said the project will not “adversely” affect downstream countries.

China said it has talked with countries downstream about its new dam project in Tibet, a massive undertaking that will affect a key source of water for India and Bangladesh.

China on Saturday (19 July launched the construction on a massive $167.8 billion hydropower project on the Brahmaputra River in Tibet, near the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, India Today reported.