China filling void left by USAID’s dismantling

China Expands Influence in Central Asia

China is striving to expand its footprint in Central Asia, hoping to take advantage of the Trump administration’s dismantling of the US Agency for International Development and the broader cuts in American foreign assistance. To date, China’s outreach in Central Asia has been largely limited to grand infrastructure projects undertaken within the framework of Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). But now, China is going small, launching limit…

Neil Shastri-Hurst: Foreign aid is UK National Defence and we really can't afford to retreat

Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst is MP for Solihull West and Shirley. In a world where threats are evolving faster than ever before, we must be clear-eyed about one thing: the frontlines of Britain’s national security don’t start at Dover—they begin in fragile states, in conflict zones, and in regions where China and other hostile regimes are quietly expanding their reach. Too often, foreign aid is seen as a feel-good afterthought – nice to have, but dispe…

China filling void left by USAID’s dismantling

China is striving to expand its footprint in Central Asia, hoping to take advantage of the Trump administration’s dismantling of the US Agency for ...

US President Donald Trump has continued his policy of withdrawing the United States from international organizations, agreements and treaties during his second term. A vacuum could therefore be created that someone needs to fill. China has been asserting itself more with increased lending, but India and even Germany are also being looked at to take this step. Spegellinn spoke to Baldur Þórhallsson, professor of political science, about these iss…

Foreign aid: Will China fill the void?

Foreign aid cuts by the US, UK, and others present an opportunity for China. Increased Chinese foreign assistance should be expected, as evidence on VoxDev shows that it makes sense for the country’s domestic and foreign goals.