US Aid Cuts Create Power Vacuum for China to Fill in Countries Like Cambodia

Published on 3.29.25

  The decision has been met with criticism from former USAID officials, who argue that it represents an "abdication of decades of US leadership" in disaster response. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has granted waivers for life-saving assistance and administrative costs to ensure aid delivery. However, humanitarian aid experts warn that this will not be enough to mitigate the impact of the cuts. China is now filling the void left by USAID, launching new initiatives to provide loans and support to nations that previously received USAID funding. Retired Lt. Gen. John Bednarek and other former military leaders are warning that China is taking advantage of the void in countries like Cambodia, where funding was severed. This development raises questions about the future of US foreign policy and its ability to respond to international crises.

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