Why is China speeding up work on Pakistan dam after India held Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance?

Following a short military confrontation between Islamabad and New Delhi in early May 2025, Beijing announced it would speed up construction of a dam in northern Pakistan that is being built under the China-centred trading network called the Belt and Road Initiative. The announcement was likely made following the temporary suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty by India, which guarantees Pakistan a steady flow of water from Indian-administered Kashmir. The Mohmand dam is one of several Chinese-financed projects and part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.