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China Isn’t Spending Anywhere Near as Much on Aid to Pacific Island Countries as Many Think

by Eric Olander
The Lowy Institute's Pacific Island Aid Map showcasing Chinese development assistance in the region.

New research reveals that Chinese aid spending in Pacific Island Countries (PIC) is now at the lowest level in 14 years, challenging the widely held perception that Beijing is showering the region with money in a bid to boost its influence.

China accounted for only $245 million of the $3.3 billion of aid that flowed to PICs, according to the findings by the Lowy Institute’s latest Pacific Aid Map. 

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