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Cambodia's New $1.1B Airport Opens Amid China Influence Concerns

The new airport triples capacity, boosting tourism. But locals worry about China's growing influence and organized crime activities.

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2 min read
This is the picture of an airport. In this image there are aircrafts and there are buildings and...
This is the picture of an airport. In this image there are aircrafts and there are buildings and poles and there are vehicles and trees. At the top there is sky. At the bottom there is a road. In the foreground there is a fence.

Cambodia's New $1.1B Airport Opens Amid China Influence Concerns

Cambodia's Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport, a USD 1.1 billion project backed by Chinese state-owned companies, began full operations on Thursday. The airport's opening comes amidst growing concerns among locals about China's expanding influence in the country's infrastructure development.

The new airport, managed by a consortium of Chinese firms until 2071 under a build-operate-transfer deal, is more than triple the size of the former airport. It can accommodate about 7 million passengers annually, a significant increase from the approximately 330,000 international arrivals at the old airport from January to September 2023. This growth is expected to stimulate tourism and economic activity in the region.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet attributed the airport's completion to the strong friendship between Cambodia and China. However, the deepening economic ties have also led to an increase in Chinese organized crime activities in the country. Locals in Siem Reap, while welcoming the airport's economic benefits, are increasingly expressing concerns about China's heavy push into infrastructure projects, including airports, expressways, and ports. The new airport is located about an hour away from Angkor Wat, unlike the previous airport which was a 10-minute drive away, potentially impacting tourism accessibility.

The consortium operating the airport includes Angkor International Airport Investment (Cambodia) Co., Ltd. (AIAI) and Energy China YNPD, with significant involvement also from Yunnan Investment Group. These companies are responsible for significant investments in the airport and related energy and infrastructure projects.

The Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport's opening marks a significant step in Cambodia's tourism and economic development. However, it also raises concerns about China's growing influence and the potential impact on local communities. As the airport operates under Chinese control until 2071, these issues will continue to be a topic of discussion and scrutiny.

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