Kambodschas Funan-Techo-Kanal-Projekt: Ein Katalog der Sorgen (Analyse)

SS: Cambodia’s Funan Techo Canal project, aimed at connecting Phnom Penh to the coast, exemplifies the dominance of geopolitics over economics, hydrology, and human rights. Pham Phan Long, the author of this analysis, argues that despite significant financial and environmental concerns, the canal is being aggressively promoted by Cambodian leaders with substantial backing from Chinese interests. He notes that the canal’s construction, set to begin on August 5, sidesteps transboundary consultations with Vietnam and other Mekong stakeholders, raising alarms about potential environmental damage and legal violations of the Mekong Agreement. Pham also questions the project’s financial projections and feasibility, expressing concern over its potential to disrupt the Mekong River’s natural flow, which could have devastating impacts on both Cambodian and Vietnamese populations.