The Phom Penh government chose China to implement the Funan Techo canal project in 2024, expected to come into operation in 2028. This project is an important step for Cambodia to assert its autonomy in transportation and road trade. irrigation and agricultural development. However, for Hanoi, the project not only affects the Mekong Delta but also reduces Vietnam’s influence over its neighbor, while China’s role is enhanced.
Cambodia protects national interests
The official name of the Funan Techo canal project is “Tonle Bassac Logistics and Navigation System” approved by the Cambodian government on May 19, 2023. According to VnExpress, the canal is expected to be 180 km long, flowing through 4 provinces including Kandal, Takeo, Kampot and Kep, connecting from Prek Takeo on the Mekong River to Prek Ta Ek and Prek Ta Hing on the Bassac River, then emptying into the Gulf of Thailand. in southwestern Cambodia. Upstream, the canal is expected to be 100 meters wide and 80 meters downstream, 5.4 meters deep, allowing cargo ships with a full load of up to 3,000 tons to pass through in the dry season, and 5,000 tons in the rainy season.
Construction of the canal is expected to significantly reduce transportation costs, reducing total transportation costs by about 16%, according to data reported by researcher Yen Samnang on Modern Diplomacy on April 24, specifically a reduction of about 170%. dollars for a 20-foot container and $223 for a 40-foot container. This cost efficiency not only benefits businesses but also consumers, who enjoy affordable prices thanks to lower shipping costs.
For Cambodia, the Funan Techo channel protects national interests within the framework of the 2023-2033 logistics guidance plan. The project will help enhance Cambodia’s trade and transportation connectivity, reducing dependence on foreign ports, especially Vietnam. At the same time, Sihanoukville port is also being expanded in phase one. The Japanese-funded project will also help Cambodia limit the use of foreign ports to export directly to European or US markets.
Vietnam lost to Cambodia?
Determined to improve autonomy, Prime Minister Hun Manet affirmed that the Funan Techo channel helps Cambodia “breathe through your own nose”. However, this statement is also understood by some observers to mean that Cambodia wants to escape the position of Vietnam “O squeeze”. Cambodia has long been concerned about its dependence on Vietnam’s seaports, according to comments on the Fulcrum website on April 23 by PhD student Chansambath Bong, Center for Strategic and Defense Studies, National University. Australian National University (ANU) and researcher at the Asian Vision Institute (AVI) in Phnom Penh.
In 1956, the government of the Republic of Vietnam used Saigon port to pressure Cambodia’s neutrality and forced then-leader Norodom Sihanouk to ask France for support in building Sihanoukville port, completed in 1959. Another example of when Cambodia could not “self-breathing” Vietnam blocked Cambodia’s maritime traffic in 1994. In addition, there has always been tension between the two neighboring countries, especially the internal Cambodian political crisis in 1997, followed by the human rights situation. Vietnamese illegal immigration and accusations of Vietnam seizing land at the border.
If the Funan Techo canal comes into operation, Vietnam will lose income from ships going to Cambodia. The Phnom Penh government will gradually move a large part of exports from Cai Mep – Thi Vai port (Ba Ria-Vung Tau province), currently a transit place for Cambodian goods to international maritime routes. It is this dependence that makes Cambodia inferior, even worse “Depend”.
Vietnam is worried about China’s increased presence in the southwest
Cambodia opened its arms to China partly because of tensions with Vietnam. Some observers say Phnom Penh wants it “escape” Hanoi but again “fall” into Beijing’s hands. However, researcher Chansambath Bong notes that, contrary to Vietnam, Cambodia does not consider China an immediate challenge to its security.
The issue that concerns Vietnam as well as the US is the Funan Techo canal project within the framework of China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Beijing sponsored a project worth $1.7 billion, including 3 waterway dams, 11 bridges and 208 km of roads on both sides. China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) operates in the form of build-operate-transfer.
In addition, some observers have raised the possibility that the Funan Techo channel could help China increase its military presence in Cambodia. This concern is not unfounded because from 2022, China has “oust” The United States, helps Cambodia upgrade the Ream Naval Base in the southern province of Sihanoukville, overlooking the Gulf of Thailand. On June 6, 2022, the American press revealed the possibility that Beijing would be granted permission by Phnom Penh. “monopoly” Use part of the base. On April 18, 2024, the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI) center said that two Chinese navy ships have been anchored at the Ream naval base for more than 4 months. This is “clear indication of China’s privileged access” to Ream.
Cambodia reassured Vietnam and the US
To reassure Vietnam, on April 9, former Prime Minister Hun Sen, currently president of the Cambodian Senate, affirmed that the Funan Techo channel is only for socio-economic purposes and is not intended to facilitate military ships. China enters the Mekong River. On his Facebook page, he wrote: “Why did Cambodia send Chinese troops into its country, violating the Constitution? And why did China send troops to Cambodia, which is against the principle of respecting Cambodia’s independence?
Cambodian researcher Chansambath Bong also said that Phom Penh must think very carefully before making any decisions that could attract foreign forces and repeat the tragic past. China’s military presence would violate Article 53 of the Cambodian Constitution, which prohibits any foreign forces from being stationed in the territory. This point is similar to Vietnam’s “Four Nos” policy. In addition, in December 2021, Phnom Penh and Hanoi issued a joint statement reaffirming the firm commitment of both countries to prevent any hostile forces from taking advantage of their territory to sabotage security. of the other party.
During his official visit to Hanoi in 2023, Prime Minister Hun Manet, replacing his father Hun Sen, reassured his Vietnamese counterpart Pham Minh Chinh that the project “will not affect the Mekong water system”. The Mekong Delta, which has been seriously affected by climate change, causing drought and saltwater intrusion, will probably face additional water source difficulties upstream.
Dr. Le Anh Tuan, main lecturer of the Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, Can Tho University, commented to VnExpress “When the Funan Techo canal is operational, the West of Vietnam will increase the shortage of fresh water in daily life, farming, and production; Saltwater intrusion is deeper and more frequent; Ecosystems will be turned upside down.”.
Behind concerns about the impact on the environment and ecosystem in the Mekong Delta lie Vietnam’s geopolitical concerns and Hanoi is not ready to lose its advantage so soon. The construction of the Funan Techo channel will also be the first test of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet’s foreign policy.
