A new report from Democratic members of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee indicates that China is actively increasing its diplomatic and international influence while the administration of President Donald Trump reduces America’s global engagement.
The report, which involved months of staff travel and research, was released amidst significant cuts to the U.S. State Department and the effective dismantling of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). These reductions include the planned termination of over 1,350 U.S.-based State Department employees and thousands of USAID staff and contractors.
Critics argue that these budgetary cuts and programmatic shifts undermine Washington’s capacity to advance U.S. interests globally. Research published in The Lancet medical journal suggests that the curtailment of USAID could lead to over 14 million additional deaths by 2030.
The Trump administration maintains that its foreign policy adjustments align with an “America First” agenda, aiming to streamline federal bureaucracy and eliminate what officials describe as wasteful spending.
However, the Democrats’ 91-page report details numerous instances where China has expanded its influence, from broadcasting and health initiatives to development projects, as the U.S. has scaled back. “China is pursuing a clear vision for the international order while the Trump Administration seeks to diminish America’s engagement globally,” the report states.
It cites dozens of examples where China has stepped in, including:
Africa: Following the termination of U.S. food assistance programs, China donated $2 million in rice to Uganda in March. After the U.S. ended a $37 million HIV/AIDS grant in Zambia in May, China pledged support, including 500,000 rapid HIV testing kits and further partnership discussions.
Southeast Asia: Chinese President Xi Jinping’s tour yielded agreements for railroad connections in Vietnam, 37 cooperation agreements in Cambodia covering energy, education, and infrastructure, and technical and manufacturing exchanges in Malaysia.
Latin America: In May, China hosted the “China-Latin American and the Caribbean Forum,” announcing a $9 billion credit line and additional infrastructure investments for the region.
