As the United States undertakes a comprehensive review of its foreign aid programs, bipartisan lawmakers are voicing concerns over China's potential to fill any void left behind. This review comes at a crucial time when non-governmental organizations, largely dependent on American grants, await clarity on the future of their crucial overseas missions.
Cambodia’s demining authority has been particularly hard hit. On March 1st, they received an official notification to 'demobilize staff members and operational teams' previously supported by the United States. The State Department, which has managed global landmine clearance grants since 1993, urged a halt to all such activities by the end of January.
A spokesperson from the State Department noted that each program is being scrutinized to realign efforts with U.S. national interests. This review affects crucial programs like those of the Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement, which has consistently positioned the U.S. as a global leader in weapons destruction projects, including landmine clearance.
Cambodia continues to grapple with the remnants of its civil war and the Vietnam War, with an estimated 4 to 6 million landmines littered across its lands. Nearly 20,000 lives have been lost, and 10,000 people have suffered amputations due to these deadly remnants, according to HALO Trust, a leading NGO. CMAC, Cambodia’s Mine Action Centre, acknowledges support from countries like China, Japan, Germany, and Canada, which continue funding their efforts amid the U.S. withdrawal.
Bill Morse, chairman of Cambodian Self-Help Demining, highlighted the massive contribution of U.S. grants, which fund 30% of the nation's demining work. 'Clearing unexploded ordnance here will take 100 years,' he said, adding that the U.S. involvement in these efforts stands as a symbol of American support in Cambodia.
This pause in U.S. aid has sparked heated discussions among the House Foreign Affairs Committee, with members split on the implications of halting assistance, particularly with China potentially poised to step into any gaps. During a recent hearing, criticisms were levied against USAID programs, described as 'indefensible.' However, both democrats and republicans expressed fears over ceding influence to China.
China has already earmarked $4.4 million to Cambodia’s demining efforts, signaling its willingness to increase its foothold in areas where U.S. influence may wane. A recent House hearing further amplified these concerns, noting strategic competition between the two global powers over international development.
Experts agree that maintaining effective U.S. foreign assistance is vital for countering China's ambitions. Former Republican Representative Ted Yoho emphasized that if U.S. programs cease, China is likely to fill the void. The growing reliance of recipient countries on China was highlighted, illuminating situations where nations might have little choice but to align more closely with Beijing amid conditions like economic liquidity crises.
The pause affects more than direct foreign aid; it impacts U.S. strategic interests and the geopolitical balance in several developing regions. Recognizing this, several former U.S. ambassadors have urged Secretary of State Marco Rubio to swiftly conclude the pause on mine clearance programs.
Amidst these debates, Bill Morse underscores the critical value of U.S. funded demining efforts, which he notes not only save lives but also foster significant socio-economic development. Cleared lands open up for agriculture, the building of schools, hospitals, and even energy infrastructure, ushering in broad transformative growth.