China has recently explained that its stream of foreign aid directed to many Pacific countries has no political strings attached. This statement came in days after a think-tank said that China has become the second-largest donor to provide foreign aid to countries in the South Pacific.
Since 2011, China has lent $1.3 billion worth of donations and concessionary loans. That is second only to Australia's total foreign aid amounting to $6.6 billion. New Zealand came in third with $1.2 billion. These figures were compiled and released by Australia's Lowy Institute.
China's total foreign aid to the South Pacific amounts to almost nine perfect of the total aid received by the region. This is despite that fact that the country has been constantly criticized by many of the countries in the region for island buildings in the South China Sea.
Reports also reveal that if pledge aid is included, China's total aid package will amount to as much as $5.9 billion. This represents a third of all international aid pledge promised to 14 countries in the region from 62 donors.
In a statement sent to the Reuters, a Chinese minister said it understands that Pacific island countries need help to achieve sustainable development.
The minister added that China is lending its help to neighboring countries in order to "[strengthen] their ability to develop sustainability, without seeking any personal gain." the minister concluded that the foreign aids are also not aimed at any third party in particular.
China's rise in political influence in the Pacific region is currently being challenged by Australia and the United States. The two countries have established new channels in order to counter China's rising influence in the region.
On Thursday, Australia promised to donate radio gear and help build parliament offices in Apia, the capital of Samoa. Incidentally, China is also ramping up its aids for Samoa in the past few years.
Since 2011, China has lent Papua New Guinea $1.3 billion worth of concessionary loans and gifts including computer hardware. China has also helped build a new prime ministerial compound in Port Vila, the capital of Vanuatu.
Some critics are alarmed about China's openness when it comes to foreign aid. Some even went as far as saying that some of these countries are increasingly dependent on China financially, a claim that has seen been repeatedly denied by China.
