Small Island States Rate China as Top Development Partner as West Cuts Aid

The Solomon Islands National Stadium in Honiara, the Solomon Islands on September 10, 2025. Photo by NOBUTERU SAKUTA / YOMIURI / THE YOMIURI SHIMBUN VIA AFP

By Libby George

A survey of small island developing nations such as Mauritius and the Maldives showed China rated as the top bilateral development assistance partner amid U.S. aid cuts and Washington’s pivot away from climate change, a report by ODI Global found.

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