By James Borton
In Cambodia, all roads, bridges, and now canals lead to China. Despite a common border, these two nations have successfully cultivated a shared cultural and economic history dating back to the 13th century. China with its widening sphere of influence, has emerged as Cambodia’s primary supporter, providing funding for extensive rail lines, bridges, a port, and the forthcoming $1.7 billion historic canal project known as the “Funan Techo” or waterway designed to stretch from the Mekong River to the sea.
Recently, several of my Khmer friends have reminded me of a well-known saying: “Where there is water, there are fish. Where there is land, there are Chinese.” This historical connection between Cambodia and China has gained renewed significance, especially in light of the upcoming project to develop a waterway along the remnants of an ancient water passage.
This initiative is poised to improve water transportation and logistics in Cambodia, leading to a reduction in transportation costs and helping to bridge connections with the international community, bypassing the need to go through Vietnam. However, many voices across the border in Vietnam’s lower delta are already expressing concerns that this waterway may impact the flow of water downstream into the already environmentally challenged Mekong Delta.
The ambitious canal plan will take four years to construct, traversing 160 kilometers at a width of 80-100 meters. It starts from the Mekong River, connecting the Bassac River, and spilling out into the Gulf Of Thailand.
In 2021 China’s state-owned company, China Communication Construction conducted its own feasibility study; and as a result, Mekong experts are expressing concerns. “This artificial canal project could be the final nail in the (Mekong Delta)........