Cambodia says Xi supports controversial canal, but China’s silence keeps questions flowing

The veil of uncertainty surrounding a massive canal project in Cambodia was lifted ever so slightly this week – while also fuelling fresh speculation – as the Southeast Asian nation’s former prime minister, Hun Sen, wrapped up a three-day visit to China.

“This project allows Cambodia to be independent in the water-transport sector and provides significant economic benefits,” the statement said, without providing further details.

In Beijing’s statement following Xi and Hun Sen’s meeting, however, the canal was not mentioned, let alone Xi’s support for it. China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not immediately reply to a faxed query from the Post.

The Chinese statement said “the two sides must firmly support each other and consolidate their ironclad friendship”.