The Chinese approach to global aid and development is very different than that of traditional donors in the U.S., Europe, and Japan. While Beijing is leveraging much of the existing global development infrastructure, including organizations like the IMF, the WHO, and the UN among others, they’re bringing a very different philosophy in how aid is administered in developing countries.

And just as in other areas of China’s geopolitical engagement with the international community, their approach to aid and development is also creating points of friction, both with the legacy powers and even with stakeholders in a number of recipient countries. China’s dedication to its non-interference doctrine and refusal to be fully transparent in aid delivery often leads to misunderstanding and tension.