In Cambodia, China feels extent, and limits, of its growing power

Phluk, Cambodia

THE thump of jackhammers and the whine of drills pierce the air, workmen in orange safety hats beaver away, and a massive concrete wall rises slowly above the river.

Here, in lush northeastern Cambodia, the US$800 million Lower Sesan 2 Dam stands as a potent symbol of China's growing reach, and Beijing's ambitious plans to expand its influence throughout Asia by building desperately needed infrastructure.