https://www.scmp.com/rss/517484/feed Him Raksmey is executive director of the Cambodian Centre for Regional Studies. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com A groundswell of public enthusiasm has met Cambodia’s launch of the 180km Funan Techo Canal project, which proponents say will propel the nation towards becoming a thriving, modern economy. But sceptics have raised concerns over the plan’s possible spillover effects, arguing that it could jeopardise the health of the vital Mekong River and trigger geopolitical tensions. The US$1.7 billion belt and road project is set to be built over the next four years under a build-operate-transfer agreement,... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/opinion/article/3263140/cambodias-us17-billion-china-backed-canal-sparked-unease-heres-how-it-can-soothe-concerns?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/opinion/article/3263140/cambodias-us17-billion-china-backed-canal-sparked-unease-heres-how-it-can-soothe-concerns?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 18 May 2024 03:00:16 +0000 Asean is preparing a new strategic vision to guide the bloc over the next two decades, but to succeed it must strengthen its autonomy and ability to manoeuvre skilfully between the world’s two largest powers: the United States and China. The Asean Community Vision (ACV) 2045, to be implemented next year, aims to be “visionary, inspirational, robust, comprehensive, inclusive, and forward-looking” and “address current and future challenges” both within and beyond the region, while reflecting the... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/opinion/article/3248265/why-us-china-competition-will-shape-aseans-vision-next-20-years?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/opinion/article/3248265/why-us-china-competition-will-shape-aseans-vision-next-20-years?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 14 Jan 2024 02:00:32 +0000