China Expands Influence as U.S. Freezes USAID Funding
As America pauses its foreign aid initiatives, China’s global reach continues to grow.
The Trump administration’s decision to put the brakes on funding for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has opened doors for China, which is poised to seize the moment and expand its influence internationally.
A former USAID official, who requested anonymity while discussing sensitive matters, revealed to Fox News Digital that in the vacuum left by the U.S.’s withdrawal, China has moved quickly to step in and fill the gaps.
China Steps Up Funding in Key Regions
With USAID’s operations on hold, China has reportedly increased its financial investments across several nations. According to Reuters, Beijing has more than doubled its financial backing for Cambodia’s largest demining organization, the Cambodian Mine Action Center (CMAC), pledging an impressive .4 million, a significant increase from the million previously provided by the United States.
Reports emerging from Nepal also suggest that China is closely monitoring the circumstances and is set to bolster its financial assistance across various sectors, as noted by the Annapurna Express.
The former USAID official highlighted a critical concern: the pause in funding diminishes America’s reputation as a reliable partner. “By eliminating these programs, we’re giving these nations one more reason to question the U.S. commitment to supporting their development priorities,” they stated.
Impact on Women and Vulnerable Populations
The ramifications of the funding freeze are particularly dire for women and marginalized communities across the globe.
During President Donald Trump’s first term, Ivanka Trump championed the Women’s Global Development and Prosperity Initiative (W-GDP), designed to enhance economic empowerment for women. Participants have expressed their dissatisfaction with the current situation as they face mounting challenges, especially women in vulnerable circumstances.
Lilian Achom, a W-GDP participant from Uganda, shared her apprehensions for women who are grappling with harsh realities, including those living with HIV/AIDS and widows responsible for raising children. “President Trump needs to think about the underprivileged—women and children suffering in northern Uganda,” Achom urged during her dialogue with Fox News Digital.
Achom reminisced positively about her interactions with Ivanka Trump, complimenting her genuine investment in women’s empowerment, economic growth, and global digital inclusion.
Furthermore, the former USAID official pointed out that the funding freeze affects nearly every dimension of life for women and girls who were beneficiaries of USAID initiatives. As China fills the space left by the United States, questions arise about whether Beijing will provide equivalent funds designated for women’s empowerment programs.
White House Justification for USAID Freeze
The White House has taken steps to defend the rationale behind the funding pause, alleging that USAID misallocated taxpayer funds on projects deemed unnecessary.
Highlighting examples of what they describe as “waste and abuse,” the administration called attention to various expenditures, including:
- .5 million for electric vehicles in Vietnam
- .5 million for diversity and inclusion initiatives in Serbia
- million to support tourism in Egypt
Despite the rising concerns about China’s expanding influence, the State Department did not respond to Fox News’ requests for commentary on this significant shift in U.S. policy.
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