China Is Quietly Building Cambodia’s 180 Kilometer Mega Canal Make Vietnam Must Worry

Cambodia’s Massive 180-Kilometer Canal From The Mekong To The Sea Raises Concerns In Vietnam Today, the Funan Techo Canal has moved from a plan on paper into actual implementation. After its groundbreaking in 2024, Cambodia has continued to accelerate the project with new construction sections in 2026. The canal, about 180 kilometres long, is designed to connect the country’s inland river system with the Gulf of Thailand, creating a more direct transport route to the sea. For Cambodia, this is a project of strategic importance. The canal is expected to reduce dependence on shipping routes that pass through Vietnam, while lowering logistics costs and strengthening the role of Cambodia’s own seaports. The government also sees it as a foundation for developing industrial zones, logistics centres and new economic areas along the canal route. However, Funan Techo remains highly controversial. Vietnam and environmental observers are concerned that the project could affect water flows, sediment movement and the ecosystem of the Mekong Delta. While Cambodia insists that the impact will be controlled, the major question remains: will this canal open a new era of development for Cambodia, or create additional pressure on the entire Mekong basin? Follow Mandarin Tech as we reveal how engineers built a masterpiece deep underground — and shocked the world. Video Chapters: 00:00 Intro 00:47 Project Overview 02:03 Site Clearance 03:33 Excavating the Canal Bed 05:46 Project Progress 08:17 Why Is Cambodia Determined to Build the Canal 09:56 Impact on Cambodia's Economy 11:42 Controversies Over Environmental Impacts 13:34 Geopolitics and the Future 15:15 Conclusion