Major countries called on to meet aid pledge

China has urged major countries to avoid breaking commitments and shoulder their international responsibilities regarding foreign aid.

Li Ming, a spokesman for the China International Development Cooperation Agency, made the remarks at a news conference on Monday, in response to the United States' decision to eliminate over 90 percent of the US Agency for International Development's foreign aid contracts and $60 billion in overall US assistance around the world.

In a social media post on March 10, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that roughly 5,200 of USAID's 6,200 global programs have been terminated.

Li said that China has noticed "major adjustments in certain countries' foreign aid policy and the continued decline in development assistance from several developed countries", adding that such adjustments run counter to their commitments and obligations under the United Nations framework.

Major countries should demonstrate responsible leadership, and they should not pursue self-interest or bully others, he said.

He called on relevant developed countries to uphold true multilateralism, deliver their development commitments, abandon the zero-sum game approach and make joint efforts with Global South nations to push for the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Li reaffirmed China's commitment to increasing resources for global development cooperation. The three principles of noninterference in internal affairs, no political conditions attached to aid and no empty promises will remain unchanged, he said, adding that China's foreign aid policy, guided by the principle of acting within its capabilities while trying to do its best, will also not change.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the beginning of China's foreign assistance program, which aims to foster friendship and promote common development.

Through cooperation with more than 20 international organizations, including the UN Development Programme and the UN World Food Programme, China has implemented over 160 projects in more than 60 countries, benefiting more than 30 million people in the developing world, Li noted.

In addition to traditional highlights in its foreign aid such as agricultural and medical projects, China is also making efforts to create new branding in areas such as the digital economy, artificial intelligence, aerospace and the blue economy, he said.

China has assisted 15 countries and international organizations, including Pakistan, Laos and Uganda, in building digital infrastructure projects, covering areas such as communications, the internet and intelligent transportation, Li said.

The country has also organized nearly 300 digital-related training programs, helping developing economies cultivate relevant professionals, he added.