No Negotiation over Funan Canal, Says Samdech Hun Sen
Senate President Hun Sen addresses the solidarity dinner on April. 26.
- By Romdoul Chetra
- April 26, 2024 9:46 PM
PHNOM PENH – Cambodia will not negotiate with Vietnam over proposed Funan Techo Canal project, Senate President Hun Sen said on April. 26, defending the project which has attracted concerns from the neighboring country.
Samdech Hun Sen said during a solidarity dinner with tycoons that he decided to speak about the issue publicly because the Vietnamese leaders did not prevent the lower-level officials from attacking Cambodia.
“This canal must be constructed,” he said.
He said that in case of not being able to find capital from outside to fund the construction, he will ask local tycoons and those who have the resources to invest because the canal is beneficial for Cambodia.
In an unusual rhetoric against Vietnam, the ex-PM said that Cambodia must strive to live on its own, not rely on others. He also announced his firm position to protect the project.
“There will be no negotiations. Let’s be honest,” he said.
Regarding Vietnam's concerns over the influx of salt water into freshwater and Chinese military access, Hun Sen said it is against the Constitution to allow China to have its military base in Cambodian territory and Cambodia does not allow salt water to flow into fresh water.
“This canal does not affect the ecosystems, but creates the ecosystems,” he said.
He said that Cambodia must think of its own interests as Vietnam thinks of its interests.
