LOL, Chinese warship travel up Mekong river, what lame excuse of concern. The canal will open up a route to enable interior of Cambodia access to the sea via the Mekong river, totally bypassing Vietnam. Vietnam used to choke Cambodia access to the sea via Mekong river, they can't do it again in the future, that's the real Vietnamese concern. It'll greatly benefit Cambodia economically and boost security.

Cambodian PM says country to build US$1.7 billion canal

Published Thu, Apr 11, 2024 · 06:48 PM

CAMBODIA will push forward with controversial plans to build a US$1.7 billion canal linking capital Phnom Penh to the sea, Prime Minister Hun Manet said on Thursday (Apr 11).

The Funan Techo canal is the latest Chinese-backed infrastructure project in Cambodia, which received billions in investments as one of Beijing’s closest regional allies under former leader Hun Sen.

The planned canal has raised concerns from academics in neighbouring Vietnam that it could facilitate travel by Chinese warships near the Vietnamese coastline.

Hun Manet dismissed those concerns during a speech in Takeo province, where the proposed 180-km waterway would cut through, ending in the coastal province of Kep.

“The canal is a historic project that will provide benefits to our people,” he said.

Cambodian officials say construction of the canal will begin later this year with Chinese funding, although details remain sparse.