Experts predict that US President Donald Trump ‘s decisions to reduce foreign aid could pave the way for China’s dominance on the world stage . In addition to cutting funding to organizations like USAID (United States Agency for International Development), the US is withdrawing from international agreements,There is a growing sense that America’s influence around the world could be reduced.
America’s soft power is being lost.
Foreign aid is a tool that America uses to demonstrate soft power, build alliances, confront enemies, and enhance national security. However, reducing this funding could allow countries like China and Russia to increase their global influence.
Is China becoming the leader?
Experts warn that China is gaining ground globally as the United States steps back. China provided $4.4 million in aid for demining programs in Cambodia, but the Trump administration has withheld $6.3 million in funding. In Panama, the Trump administration has taken steps to block China’s Belt and Road Initiative, which Beijing has strongly protested.
Experts disagree on US stance on
foreign aid cuts. Members of parliament and experts have expressed different opinions on the issue. Yale Law School visiting scholar Feng Zhang expressed his opinion, saying, “A second Trump administration will benefit China.” Democratic Senator Andy Kim said, “China will have to work less to increase its influence because we are stepping back.” Republican Representative John Moolenaar, however, said that foreign aid needs to be re-evaluated.
America’s future strategy – is a new path needed?
Will cutting foreign aid cause America to lose its importance on the international stage? Or will it lead to a new strategy? There is a heated debate on the issue. The decisions made by the Trump administration will affect how America moves forward in global politics in the future. Dennis Wilder, a senior fellow at the Initiative for US-China Dialogue on Global Issues at Georgetown University, said global influence goes beyond foreign aid, given that the US leads the world’s most powerful military and dominates its dollar econo
