For China, the extinction of USAID may be a victory in Southeast Asia: Reports of poverty and development
In a recent development, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has decided to close its offices in several Southeast Asian countries, including Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. This move has been met with mixed reactions from local governments and experts. While some see this as an opportunity for the region to take charge of its own development, others are concerned about the potential consequences of the withdrawal of a major international aid agency.
The decision to close the USAID offices in Southeast Asia is part of a larger plan by the United States government to realign its foreign assistance priorities. The agency’s budget has been declining in recent years, and the White House has been directing USAID to focus more on crisis response and humanitarian assistance rather than long-term development programs.
For China, which has been increasingly playing a larger role in international development efforts, the closure of USAID offices in Southeast Asia could be seen as a strategic victory. China has been actively promoting its own development model, known as the "Win-Win Cooperation," which emphasizes mutual benefit and cooperation between developed and developing countries. The closure of USAID offices could create an opportunity for China to fill the gap and increase its influence in the region.
The impact of USAID’s withdrawal on poverty reduction and development efforts in Southeast Asia is still uncertain. The region has made significant progress in reducing poverty in recent years, but many countries still struggle with widespread poverty and income inequality. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aim to eradicate poverty by 2030, and the region still faces significant challenges in achieving this goal.
Experts note that the closure of USAID offices could lead to a power vacuum, which could be filled by other international donors, including China, the European Union, and the Asian Development Bank. These organizations have their own development agendas and priorities, which may not align with the needs of the local communities.
On the other hand, some experts argue that the withdrawal of USAID could be seen as a blessing in disguise. Local governments and civil society organizations can take charge of their own development, without being tied to conditionalities and bureaucracy imposed by external donors. This could lead to more sustainable and effective development programs that address the specific needs of each country.
The cities of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have also expressed concern about the impact of the withdrawal of USAID on regional cooperation and regional economic integration. The ASEAN Development Plan 2025 aims to promote strong, equitable, and resilient growth, based on a robust and competitive economy. The closure of USAID offices could weaken the regional development architecture and undermine the region’s efforts to respond to global challenges such as climate change and pandemics.
In conclusion, the extinction of USAID in Southeast Asia may be seen as a victory for China, which could fill the gap and increase its influence in the region. However, the impact on poverty reduction and development efforts is still uncertain and may depend on how other international donors and local stakeholders respond to the situation. It is essential for the region to adapt to the changing global landscape and work together to build a more sustainable and effective development agenda that responds to the needs of local communities.
