Abstract: First, basic meanings of dam risk criteria and government decision-making were introduced. Then, the relation of dam risk criteria and government decision-making in harmony was discussed, in aspects such as the socio-economic development level, government's dominance, public and media's enthusiasm and research on the technology of dam risk assessment and management. In order to achieve this harmonious relation, it should be made clear that the enhancement of socio-economic development level was the basis, government's dominance was the key, public and media's active participation was the power, research on the technology of dam risk assessment and management was the technical support. Finally, some recommendations were given for the in-depth research on the relation of dam risk criteria and government decision-making.