Summary
- Cambodia’s plan to build a canal linking the Mekong River to a port on its coast raises concerns about environmental impact.
- The $1.7 billion canal project, supported by China, aims to boost trade but may disrupt natural flood systems and reduce vital silt flow downstream.
- Vietnam’s agricultural sector is at risk of facing consequences from the project, impacting rice production and global food security.
- Nationalistic rhetoric surrounding the canal contrasts with concerns about environmental damage and displacement of local residents.