The United States is contemplating imposing sanctions on prominent Cambodians, including an individual close to the ruling party, due to alleged connections to online scams and human trafficking. This development, reported by Reuters, is expected to happen as early as this week and comes at a sensitive time in US-Cambodia relations.

Cambodia's recent initiation of a China-backed canal project that diverts water from the Mekong River has attracted criticism from US officials, adding to the diplomatic tension. The Southeast Asian nation has also increased military cooperation with Beijing, which has included hosting Chinese warships and expanding a key naval base.

This potential move signifies a growing concern by the US over Cambodia's political and military alignment with China, as well as the country's involvement in illicit activities. The full report is available on the South China Morning Post website.