Could China replace the US as a global aid giver?

Could China replace the US as a global aid giver?

What in the World · 2025-03-05

One of the most eye-catching decisions by Donald Trump since becoming American President for a second time was to freeze foreign aid. USAID is the agency that’s given billions of dollars to global projects, from disaster relief to fighting malaria.

With this decision there will be a big hole in global financing, one that could potentially be filled by other leading global countries, such as China.

President Xi has already upped China’s foreign spending in places like Africa. Chinese investing in huge infrastructure projects abroad isn’t new, but could they use America’s decision to their advantage and extend their influence around the world?

Shawn Yuan, from the BBC’s Global China Unit, explains how Chinese aid models differ from the US. We also hear from Janice Nkajja, a Ugandan TikToker and social justice activist whose video went viral when USAID was frozen. And Daniel Dadzie, our reporter in Ghana, takes us through China’s funding strategy in Africa.

Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworldEmail: [email protected]: +44 0330 12 33 22 6Presenter: Hannah GelbartProducers: Emily Horler, Josh Jenkins and Mora MorrisonEditor: Harriet Oliver

What in the World

Helping you make sense of what’s happening in your world. Big stories, small stories and everything in between. Understand more, feel better. Five days a week, Monday to Friday.

  • No. of episodes: 459
  • Latest episode: 2025-04-25
  • News

Where can you listen?

Apple Podcasts Logo Podtail Logo Google Podcasts Logo RSS

Episodes