Myanmar's ruling military junta, the State Administration Council (SAC), is reportedly evaluating the potential resumption of the Myitsone Dam project, a large-scale hydropower initiative backed by China. The project, located in Kachin State at the confluence of the Mali and N'Mai rivers which form the Irrawaddy River, was controversially suspended by the then-civilian government in September 2011 following widespread public outrage and environmental concerns. The proposed dam, if completed, has the potential to flood an area estimated at 766 square kilometers, roughly the size of Singapore.

The Myitsone Dam project, initiated in 2009, was designed to be a significant hydroelectric power source with an estimated generating capacity of 6,000 megawatts (MW). Developed by China Power Investment Corporation (CPI), now known as State Power Investment Corporation (SPIC), in partnership with Myanmar's Ayeyarwady Myitsone Hydropower Company (AMHC) and the Ministry of Electric Power, the project was projected to cost over $3.6 billion. A substantial portion, approximately 90%, of the electricity generated was intended for export to China.

The 2011 suspension by then-President Thein Sein's government marked a rare instance of a Myanmar government bowing to public pressure, acknowledging deep-seated concerns over the dam's potential impacts. These concerns encompassed a range of issues:

  • Environmental Degradation: Experts and activists warned of irreversible damage to the Irrawaddy River ecosystem, a vital artery for Myanmar. This included threats to biodiversity, alterations to sediment flow, and impacts on downstream agriculture and fisheries.
  • Displacement of Communities: The planned reservoir area would have submerged numerous villages, necessitating the relocation of an estimated 10,000 to 18,000 indigenous Kachin people, leading to significant social disruption and loss of livelihoods.
  • Cultural and Spiritual Significance: The dam site holds profound cultural and spiritual importance for the Kachin ethnic minority.
  • National Sovereignty and Economic Concerns: Critics argued that the project primarily served China's energy needs, with limited benefits for Myanmar, and raised questions about transparency in the initial agreements.

Following the 2021 military coup in Myanmar, the junta has reportedly engaged in renewed discussions concerning the dam's future. While no official date for resumption has been announced, recent statements from military officials and state media indicate an ongoing review of the project. China has consistently expressed its desire for the project to proceed, emphasizing its economic and energy cooperation with Myanmar.

The potential restarting of the Myitsone Dam project is expected to reignite protests from environmental groups, local communities, and international human rights organizations, who have consistently opposed the dam on ecological and social grounds. The decision to proceed would reflect the junta's priorities regarding infrastructure development, energy policy, and its relationship with key international partners, particularly China.