China tries to downplay claims it pulled out of Cambodian canal project

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1. SS: William Zheng, writing for *South China Morning Post*, reported that the Chinese embassy in Cambodia dismissed claims that Beijing had withdrawn from the $1.7 billion Funan Techo canal project as “complete nonsense.” The embassy’s article, posted on social media, refuted media reports suggesting China had pulled out due to control disagreements and concerns raised by Vietnam and the U.S. While the 180km canal’s groundbreaking ceremony took place in August, no construction has started, prompting speculation about China’s commitment. The embassy insisted China remains willing to support the project but emphasized its “scale and complexity” required extensive research, drawing parallels with the three-year preparatory phase of China’s Pinglu canal. Questions persist, however, with a Reuters report in November citing anonymous sources claiming Beijing had hesitated due to unresolved shareholding structures. Environmentalists warn the canal could harm Mekong ecosystems, while geopolitical tensions rise, with Washington wary of China’s influence and Vietnam fearing economic and security risks. The embassy also rejected allegations that Cambodia was shifting allegiance toward the U.S., dismissing AI-generated social media claims as fabricated propaganda. Reaffirming Cambodia’s commitment to China, an article shared by the Chinese embassy in Cambodia on social media, highlighted Hun Manet’s pledge to continue his father Hun Sen’s pro-China policies, underscoring deep economic ties, including a 24% trade surge in 2024 and the China-backed Sihanoukville SEZ’s substantial contribution to Cambodia’s economy.

2. Why change the title?

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