The South-to-North Water Diversion Project(SNWDP)is of strategic significance to the overall national landscape

long-term development

and public welfare. While the first-phase projectsof the eastern and central routes have been fully completed and supplying water for over a decade

the western route has yet to make substantial progress—falling short of the requirements of major national strategies such as coordinated development and security

the national water network initiative

and the new-era Western China development strategy. This paper analyzes the logic for advancing the Western Route of the SNWDP from three dimensions

which include theoretical rationale

historical context

and current realities. It argues that the construction of the Western Route will contribute to addressing China's principal social contradictions and support the implementation of key national strategies

and should therefore be promoted in a coordinated and accelerated manner. Furthermore

this paper proposes advancement strategies based on six principles

which include upholding a people-centered approach

adhering to problem-oriented thinking

maintaining a national strategic perspective

applying systematic thinking

embracing dialectical reasoning

and fostering innovation. On this basis

six countermeasures are put forward to guide the Western Route's progression

which include improving institutional mechanisms for project promotion

demonstrating historical initiative

seizing strategic windows and addressing primary contradictions

deepening research on critical issues

proactivelyplanning operational and pricing mechanisms

and leveraging project development to foster the cultural heritage of the Yellow River.These recommendations aim to provide decision-making references for the preparatory work of the Western Route of the SNWDP.