Posted on 15 February 2023
Findings by the Lowy Institute Pacific Aid Map have revealed China’s engagement with the region has been declining for the past six years. It reached its lowest point during Covid19, in 2020 its development finance dropping to US $187 million.
The decline is attributed to both supply and demand issues. China has been more cautious of their approach due to global and political uncertainty, and unsuccessful previous projects. Stepping back from the Pacific is not reflective of the nation vacating the region for good however, rather a strategic change in approach.