ABSTRACT
If, along with the Three Gorges dam, the Gezhouba dam, the Jin river dikes, and the Zhi river bridge were also attacked, the destructive impact would increase exponentially. The severity of the destruction caused by a military strike against a dam is not directly proportional to the size of the dam and reservoir; it also depends on the location of the facility and the extent of preventive measures taken before an attack. The Soviet Union, France, Austria, and the United States have all conducted studies and taken various measures to mitigate the effects of military strikes against their key hydro installations. There have always been strong links between key economic projects and national defense. This is the case with the Three Gorges dam. Dam supporters argue that the project will increase the supply of electricity and promote economic development, thereby strengthening the country's defenses.
