Link to article: http://www.news.cn/english/2021-09/13/c_1310185108_2.htm
As a part of the Belt and Road Initiative, the China State Construction Engineering Corporation started the building of this giant stadium in 2017. Using innovative design and technology, the stadium is built in the shape of a boat to symbolise the mode of transportation from China to Cambodia in history. The 99 meter tall prows of the ship also show a gesture of respect and greeting in Cambodian culture called “Sampeah” to reinforce the respect that the two countries have for each other. It shows the long journey friendship between these two countries and aims to bring tourism to Cambodia as it will be used to host major sporting events as well as exhibits and cultural events.
China and Cambodia have had a historically good relationship due to cultural and commercial ties. Chinese people make up 3-5% of Cambodia’s population, causing China to often step in and help out. For example, during the Cambodian-Vietnamese War when the Chinese in Cambodia were discriminated against by the Vietnamese and the Khmer Rouge, China stepped in to help the Cambodians. The relationship between Cambodia and China significantly tightened after the Cambodian-Vietnamese War and China often aids Cambodia in everything from modern infrastructure to diplomatic support to debt. Although Cambodians are increasingly wondering if China’s influence in their country is too large, they depend on China too much for their economic and social success. This stadium is just another example of many that China has great influence over the world and would like to keep it that way.
The Morodok Techo National Stadium was fully funded by China and the project was created by the China State Construction Engineering Company, owned by the Central People’s Government. The China State Construction Engineering Company (CSCEC) is a multinational corporation that has locations all around the world like the middle east, south pacific, and more. With this stadium, one of China’s goals was to bring business and tourism to Cambodia especially after the pandemic, this shows relations of international development and international economics as China helps out Cambodia.