Meanwhile Thailand is revisiting the Isthmus of Kra
project, that had been talked about for decades. Probably building a
canal just like Panana is not in the plan, but building two ports on
either side of the Isthmus with road and rail connections is the
intention. This is said to provide another alternative, just in case the
Straits of Malacca is blockaded. China should be interested in the
project.
Hard to tell at this time, but there will be opposition
from countries with vested interest in keeping the Straits of Malacca as
the only passage for trade between China and Europe, Middle East and
Africa. And therein will come all the reasons, including environment
issues, to stop the project.
By the way, it seems the Panana
Canal is now facing a big problem - water. That sounds illogical. But
water for the locks to work comes from Gatun Lake, a freshwater lake, to
raise and lower ships transversing the canal, on top of providing water
to its citizens. It is reported that the amount of freshwater released
into the sea each time a vessel goes through the canal is a big drain on
the lake, what with climate change affecting the water level.
And
there were also loose talk of Nicaragua looking at the possibility of
digging another canal across the land. China should be interested in
this as well.
Anonymous
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