By Zoila Palma: A new report by ODI Global noted that China has emerged as the most valued bilateral development partner for small island developing states as Western aid declines.
A survey of officials from 29 small island nations, including Mauritius and the Maldives, found that governments collectively rated China highest, a shift with notable geopolitical implications.
The survey, conducted between July and November 2025, covered countries across the Caribbean, the Atlantic, the Indian Ocean, and the South China Sea, including Barbados, Cabo Verde, Belize, Guyana, and Papua New Guinea, Reuters report.
While the United Kingdom ranked highest among half of Caribbean respondents and Australia led in the Pacific, China topped the list for island states in the Atlantic, Indian Ocean, and South China Sea.
ODI data shows China provided about $6 billion in development aid to small island states between 2020 and 2023, surpassing contributions from Australia, the United States, and Japan.
The findings come ahead of major changes in U.S. foreign assistance, as President Donald Trump’s return to office in January 2025 led to the effective closure of USAID and reduced climate funding.
The survey also found limited uptake of innovative financing tools such as debt swaps and disaster-related debt pauses, with countries citing extreme weather impacts and limited access to concessional finance as their biggest vulnerabilities, concerns that such instruments do not substantially reduce debt burdens.
The post International News: Survey shows China tops list of development partners for small states as Western aid declines appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: A new report by ODI Global noted that China has emerged as the most valued bilateral development partner for small island developing states as Western aid declines. A survey of officials from 29 small island nations, including Mauritius and the Maldives, found that governments collectively rated China highest, a shift with notable
The post International News: Survey shows China tops list of development partners for small states as Western aid declines appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
