China has approved the construction of what will be the world's largest hydropower dam, kicking off an ambitious project on the eastern rim of the Tibetan plateau that could affect millions downstream in India and Bangladesh.

China has approved the construction of the world's largest hydropower dam on the Yarlung Zangbo River, aiming to generate 300 billion kWh annually. This project could impact millions downstream in India and Bangladesh,

The dam, which will be located in the lower reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo River, could produce 300 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually

China and Japan have agreed to set up talks on often contentious security issues. The two countries are seeking to improve a relationship riven in recent years by a range of issues, from territorial disputes to the discharge of water from Japan’s tsunami-wrecked nuclear power plant.

Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya has met with top Chinese leaders during his visit to Beijing, the first since the heads of the two countries met at a summit in Peru last month

Takeshi Iwaya made his first trip to Beijing since becoming Japan's foreign minister in October. Chinese officials said often difficult bilateral ties were "at a critical period of improvement and development.