Cambodia breaks ground on China-funded canal despite border tensions

PREK TAKEO, Cambodia: Cambodia initiated construction on August 5 of a controversial, China-funded canal designed to link Phnom Penh to the sea, despite environmental concerns and potential diplomatic tensions with Vietnam.

The US$1.7 billion, 111-mile Funan Techo canal will connect Cambodia's capital with Kep province on the south coast, providing access to the Gulf of Thailand. The 328 feet-wide, 17.7 feet-dee