Gutting Aid, U.S. Cedes Soft Power Game to China

Signage for the US government's humanitarian agency USAID is seen on a cargo container beside a tricycle in Manila on February 4, 2025. JAM STA ROSA / AFP

By Shaun Tandon

When President Donald Trump froze nearly all U.S. foreign aid, Cambodia was forced to suspend workers removing dangerous mines from the country  — until China stepped in with the necessary funding.

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